LIBRARY 

THE  UNIVERSITY 
OF  CALIFORNIA 

SANTA  BARBARA 

PRESENTED  BY 

WHITTIER  COLLEGE 


MEMOIE 


PEISCILLA  GURNEY. 


MEMOIR 


OP 


PRISCILLA   GURNEY. 


EDITED   BY 

SUSANNA    CORDER. 


LWHITTIEK  COLLEGE   LIBRARY 

PHILADELPHIA : 
HENRY   LONGSTRETH, 

347   MARKET   STREET. 
1856.. 


77^5" 


PREFACE. 


SOME  selections  from  the  correspondence  of  Pris- 

p^        cilia  Gurney  having  appeared  in  a  periodical,  and 

j        excited  much  interest,  the  Editor  of  the  following 

^         brief  "  Memoir"  has  been  requested  to  prepare,  for 

^J        the  press,  a  Biographical  Sketch  of  her  character, 

and  of  the  incidents  of  her  life. 

The  experiences  recorded  in  the  following  ex- 
tracts from  her  Journal  and  Letters,  —  her  sound 
reflections  on  Divine  things,  —  the  weighty  impres- 
sions made  upon  her  mind,  through  the  teachings 
of  the  Holy  Spirit,  and  the  many  striking  lessons 
of  instruction  which  are  intermingled  with  illus- 
trations of  these  workings  of  the  spiritual  life  in 
her  own  soul,  are  calculated  to  serve  as  waymarks 
to  the  Christian  traveller  as  he  journeys  onward  to 
the  heavenly  Canaan ;  and  he  may  be  encouraged 
to  "run  with  patience  the  race  set  before"  him,  by 

1*  (v) 


yi  PREFACE. 

tracing  the  footsteps  of  this  dedicated  servant  of 
Christ,  whose  course  on  earth,  though  short,  afforded 
a  remarkable  evidence  of  the  sanctifying  and  pre- 
serving efficacy  of  Divine  grace,  and  of  its  suffi- 
ciency to  enable  those  who  unreservedly  yield  to 
its  power,  to  bring  forth  "much  fruit"  to  the  praise 
and  glory  of  God;  and  proving,  in  no  common 
degree,  that  "honourable  age  is  not  that  which 
standeth  in  length  of  time,  nor  that  is  measured 
by  number  of  years ;  but  wisdom  is  the  gray  hair 
to  man,  and  an  unspotted  life  is  old  age." 


S.  C. 


CHELMSFORD, 
Fifth  Month,  1856. 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  I.      1809-1817. 

Pages 

Youthful  Days  of  Priscilla  Gurney— Death  of  a  Sister-in- 
law  —  Of  her  Father  —  Correspondence  —  Illness  of  a 
Brother  —  Winter  at  Clifton  —  Speaks  as  a  Minister 
amongst  Friends  —  Death  of  Henry  Gurney  —  Of  her 
Brother  John  Gurney  —  Journey  to  Nice  with  Invalids 
— Residence  at  Nice 9  —  94 


CHAPTER  II.      1817-1818. 

Priscilla  Gurney  quits  Nice — Visits  the  Friends  at  Conge- 
nies,  &c.  —  Returns  to  England  —  Attends  the  Yearly 
Meeting  in  London  —  Returns  to  Earlham  —  Death  of 
Rachel  Gurney — Correspondence  —  Marriage  of  Joseph 
John  Gurney  —  Benevolent  Occupations  at  Home  — 
Religious  Engagements  in  Cambridgeshire  and  Hunt- 
ingdonshire—  General  Visit  to  the  Meetings  of  Friends 
in  Ireland  —  Yearly  Meeting  in  Dublin  —  In  London — 

Returns  Home 95  —  141 

(vii) 


Viil  CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER  III.      1818-1819. 

Pages 
Religious  and  Philanthropic  Engagements  in  Norfolk — 

Compiles  Volume  of  Hymns — Correspondence — Health 
fails — Much  exertion  in  Schools,  Prisons,  &c. — Attends 
the  Yearly  Meeting  in  London  —  A  continuance  of  De- 
clining Health  —  Visits  Upton  —  Serious  Attack  of  Til- 
ness  there  —  Removes  to  the  Isle  of  Wight — Winter 
there — Correspondence 142 — 186 

CHAPTER  IV.      1820-1821. 

Priscilla  Gurney  Returns  from  the  Isle  of  Wight  to  Earl- 
ham —  Recurrence  of  Alarming  Indisposition  —  Is  re- 
moved to  the  Coast  —  Settles  at  Cromer  Hall  —  Last 
Illness  and  Death ,.  187—228 


MEMOIR 


OE1 


PEISCILLA   GUKNEY. 

CHAPTER    I. 
1809-1817. 

Youthful  Days  of  Priscilla  Gurney  —  Death  of  a  Sister-in-law  —  Of 
her  Father  —  Correspondence  —  Illness  of  a  Brother  —  Winter  at 
Clifton  —  Speaks  as  a  Minister  amongst  Friends — Death  of  Henry 
Gurney  —  Of  her  Brother,  John  Gurney  —  Journey  to  Nice  with 
Invalids  —  Residence  at  Nice. 

FROM  a  variety  of  circumstances,  the  large  family 
of  Gurney,  of  Earlham,  has  become  generally  known, 
as  consisting  of  persons  who,  from  conspicuous  piety 
and  benevolence,  have  been  interesting  to  the 
Christian  world.  Placed  in  a  prominent  position 
through  the  advantages  attendant  on  wealth,  talent, 
and  education,  they  exercised  no  common  degree 
of  influence  on  the  extensive  circle  in  which  they 
moved;  and,  from  the  example  of  their  father, 
John  Gurney,  who  evinced  through  life  much  no- 
bility of  mind  and  a  generous  nature,  they  imbibed, 
from  their  earliest  years,  a  disinterestedness  of 

(9) 


10  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA    GURNET.  [1808. 

character,  which,  as  it  became  directed  by  the  sanc- 
tifying influence  of  religious  principle,  induced 
these  young  persons  largely  to  diffuse  around  them 
the  channels  of  blessing  which  were  so  richly  placed 
under  their  control.  Two  of  their  number  —  the 
late  Elizabeth  Fry,  and  her  brother  Joseph  John 
Gurney — were  conspicuously  devoted  to  the  cause 
of  Christian  philanthropy,  and  their  memory  is 
cherished  with  reverential  esteem  and  love  by 
many,  among  the  varied  classes  of  society,  who 
witnessed  their  untiring  efforts  to  promote  the  glory 
of  God,  and  the  well-being  of  His  rational  creation. 
In  the  published  memoirs  of  these  two  excellent 
persons,  sketches  of  the  domestic  circle  at  Earlham 
have  been  so  fully  drawn,  and  so  extensively  read 
with  lively  interest,  that  any  minute  recapitulation 
of  them  will  not  be  requisite  in  introducing  to  the 
notice  of  the  Christian  reader  the  circumstances 
which  marked  the  brief,  but  remarkable,  earthly 
course  of  Priscilla  Gurney,  the  youngest  of  the 
seven  sisters,  who,  with  four  brothers,  were,  at  an 
early  age,  bereft  of  maternal  care  and  instruction. 
Their  mother,  who  was  characterized  by  peculiar 
loveliness  of  mind  and  person,  and  by  a  pious  and 
well-directed  solicitude  for  the  true  happiness  of 
her  children,  was  removed  by  death  from  her  im- 
portant sphere  of  usefulness,  when  the  eldest  of  her 
flock  was  only  seventeen  years  of  age ;  leaving  to 
her  sorrowing  husband  the  responsibilities  that 
now  BO  weightily  devolved  upon  him.  He  was  an 


1808.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  11 

indulgent  and  affectionate  parent,  greatly  beloved 
by  his  immediate  family ;  his  mind  was  vigorous 
and  intelligent,  his  manners  kind  and  courteous, 
securing  the  high  esteem  of  his  fellow-citizens  of 
Norwich.  His  eldest  daughter,  Catherine,  was,  in 
an  unusual  degree,  qualified  to  watch  over  and  to 
promote  the  right  education  of  the  younger  mem- 
bers of  the  motherless  group,  and  her  influence  was 
greatly  blessed  to  them.  For  many  years,  Earlham 
was  a  peculiarly  favoured  and  cheerful  abode ;  its 
inmates  enjoyed  much  liberty; — some  amusements 
of  fashionable  life  were  indulged  in ;  yet  the  pur- 
suits of  literature  and  refined  taste,  united  to  care- 
ful and  diligent  attention  to  the  duties  of  benevo- 
lence and  charity,  uniformly  occupied  the  greater 
portion  of  their  time.  As  they  became  matured 
in  age,  the  love  of  pleasure  was  gradually  tempered, 
and  their  minds  were  impressed  with  a  deep  con- 
viction of  the  vanity  and  unsatisfying  nature  of  all 
merely  temporal  gratifications.  Their  bright  sun- 
shine of  unalloyed  prosperity  became  overshadowed 
by  some  dark  clouds  of  affliction,  and  their  youth- 
ful hearts,  subdued  under  the  chastening  hand  of 
a  gracious  Almighty  Father,  felt  the  need  of  a 
solace  which  earthly  delights  can  never  perma- 
nently supply :  they  sought  the  blessings  of  the 
redemption  that  is  in  Christ;  and,  although  derived 
to  them  through  somewhat  diverse  channels,  they 
became  partakers  of  the  peace  and  love  of  God. 
When,  in  1792,  John  Gurney  was  deprived  of 


12  MEMOIR   OF   PEISCILLA  GURNET.  [1808. 

his  tenderly  beloved  wife,  the  loss,  which  to  him- 
self was  well-nigh  overwhelming,  could  be  but  very 
inadequately  appreciated  by  his  children.  The 
three  elder  ones,  Catherine,  Rachel,  and  Elizabeth, 
could,  however,  in  some  measure,  estimate  it ;  but 
a  profound  experience  of  sorrow,  and  of  the  awful- 
ness  of  witnessing  a  summons  from  the  endear- 
ments of  domestic  life  and  from  the  possessions  of 
wealth  and  luxury,  appears  to  have  been,  for  the 
first  time,  abidingly  made  on  the  minds  of  these 
young  persons,  by  the  death  of  Elizabeth  Gurney, 
the  fondly  beloved  wife  of  their  brother,  John. 
She  was  a  near  relative  of  the  Earlham  family; 
and,  from  their  infancy,  a  strong  attachment  had 
bound  them  to  each  other.  She  was  united  to  her 
affectionate  husband  but  a  little  more  than  a  year, 
when,  in  the  Fifth  Month,  1808,  she  was  removed 
from  the  circle  of  which  she  was  the  ornament  and 
delight.  "  This,"  says  J.  J.  Gurney,  in  his  auto- 
biography, "  was  our  first  grand  draught  of  family 
affliction  since  my  mother's  death;  a  draught 
which,  in  the  bitterness  and  dismay  of  our  spirits, 
we  all  drank  together  to  the  very  dregs. . . .  Never 
shall  I  forget  the  overwhelming  woe  of  our  beloved 
brother.  His  bodily  health  was  dangerously  af- 
fected by  his  long  watching  and  nursing;  but, 
thanks  be  to  the  Author  of  all  good,  the  affliction 
was  blessed  to  his  soul,  and  was  the  means  of 
bringing  him,  in  repentance  and  humiliation  of 
spirit,  to  the  Saviour's  feet." 


1809.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  13 

During  the  brief  period  in  which  the  cup  of  tem- 
poral enjoyment  appeared  to  overflow,  the  residence 
of  John  Gurney,  jun.,  was  at  Lynn  ;  but,  after  his 
bereavement,  he  was  tenderly  cherished  by  his 
father  and  sisters  under  the  paternal  roof;  and  it 
is  in  the  endearing  character  of  a  sympathiser  in 
his  affliction,  and  an  acute  sharer  in  the  deep  sor- 
row that  was  again  soon  afterwards  dispensed  to 
the  family,  that  we  first  become  intimately  ac- 
quainted with  the  subject  of  this  memoir.  Priscilla 
Gurney  had  hitherto  been  occupied  in  a  compara- 
tively inconspicuous  pursuit  of  diligent,  though 
quiet  duty :  she  had,  from  her  childhood,  been  in- 
clined to  commiserate  the  sorrows  and  sufferings 
of  the  poor;  she  had  been  accustomed  regularly  to 
visit,  those  of  her  own  district,  to  relieve  their 
wants,  to  inspect  the  instruction  of  their  children, 
and  especially  to  help  and  comfort  the  sick  and 
aged.  But  additional  interests  of  a  most  weighty 
character  now  claimed  the  solicitudes  of  the  Earl- 
ham  household,  and  called  forth  the  energies  of 
Priscilla's  mind.  Scarcely  a  year  had  elapsed  after 
the  decease  of  Elizabeth  Gurney,  when  the  health 
of  the  beloved  and  honoured  head  of  that  large 
family  began  to  sink  under  the  pressure  of  internal 
disease.  His  symptoms  did  not,  in  the  view  of 
those  around  him,  assume  a  serious  aspect,  but  he 
was,  himself,  strongly  impressed  with  a  belief  that 
they  would  terminate  fatally.  In  a  letter  to  his 
sister  Buxton,  written  in  the  Fourth  Month,  1809, 
2 


14  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNEY.  [1809. 

Joseph  John  Gurney  thus  alludes  to  the  indisposi- 
tion of  his  father :  — "  He  is  certainly  better,  and 
much  more  comfortable,  though  I  believe  him  to 
be  still  persuaded  that  he  is  in  great  danger.  This 
idea  is  most  groundless,  according  to  all  the  best 
opinions,  but  it  is  impossible  to  root  it  out  of  his 
mind."  That  the  apprehension  of  his  very  critical 
state  was  graciously  designed  to  stimulate  the  dear 
invalid  to  a  diligent  use  of  the  few  fleeting  months 
.that  were  yet  to  be  added  to  his  earthly  course, 
appears  evident  from  the  visitation  of  divine  love 
that  was,  in  a  striking  manner,  mercifully  vouch- 
safed to  him. 

Early  in  the  ensuing  autumn,  when,  from  deep 
mental  conflict  and  increased  bodily  suffering,  John 
Gurney  was  becoming  an  object  of  most  painful 
interest  to  his  affectionate  children,  another  source 
of  anxiety  claimed  their  attention.  Several  of  the 
family  were  attacked  by  scarlet  fever.  Priscilla 
appears  to  have  been  the  first  who  was  affected  by 
this  disorder,  then  Daniel,  and  afterwards  Joseph ; 
each  of  them  being  favoured  to  surmount  the  dis- 
order ;  but  their  faithful  and  excellent  attendant, 
who  had,  for  more  than  thirty  years,  been  the 
careful  nurse  of  the  whole  circle,  and  justly  held 
by  them  in  high  esteem,  was,  whilst  engaged  in 
her  assiduous  efforts  to  promote  their  recovery, 
seized  with  the  fever  in  its  most  alarming  form, 
and  soon  removed  from  them  by  death.  This  dis- 
tressing event  was  quickly  followed  by  a  dispensa- 


1809.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  15 

tion  of  a  most  afflicting  and  solemn  character. 
Their  beloved  father's  state  of  health  became  ra- 
pidly worse,  his  sufferings  were  great,  and  his  spirit 
was  sorely  agonized  under  a  sense  of  "his  past 
errors  and  infirmities ;"  but,  says  his  daughter 
Rachel,  "he  wrestled  with  God  in  prayer,  and 
grace  and  help  were  given  him,"  He  repeatedly 
addressed  his  family  in  a  very  instructive  manner. 
He  "  spoke  of  the  purity  of  the  law  laid  down  by 
our  Saviour,  extending  even  to  the  thoughts  and 
desires ;"  and,  ere  the  hand  of  death  \vas  laid  upon 
him,  and  the  mortal  anguish  for  ever  closed,  his 
soul  was  favoured  "  to  rise  out  of  the  fiery  furnace, 
purified  by  the  Great  Refiner."  "  He  frequently 
expressed  that  he  feared  no  evil,  but  believed  that, 
through  the  mercy  of  God  in  Christ,  he  should  be 
received  in  glory."  "  He  continued  in  the  posses- 
sion of  joy  and  peace"  until,  as  we  may  reverently 
believe,  he  was  permitted  to  unite  with  the  ran- 
somed above,  in  the  endless  song  of  praise  to  the 
Lord  God  and  the  Lamb. 

Priscilla  Gurney  had  sufficiently  recovered  from 
the  effects  of  the  fever  to  admit  of  her  devoting 
herself,  with  most  affectionate  tenderness,  to  the 
duties  of  her  afflicted  parent's  chamber ;  and  she 
"  left  him  almost  less  than  any  one."  Six  weeks 
after  this  solemn  event,  she  writes,  in  a  letter  to 
her  beloved  sister  Fry  :  — 

"We  have  so  many  objects  to  interest  and  engage  us  that 
we  seldom  can  feel  any  painful  vacancy ;  but  this  does  not, 


16  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  [1809. 

I  believe,  prevent  us  from  mourning,  as  we  ought  to  mourn, 
for  the  loss  of  such  a  father  as  ours  was.  The  recollection 
of  him  is  dearer  to  me  than  I  caii  well  describe  ;  and  the 
separation  from  him,  and  from  dear  nurse  too,  is  often 
most  truly  affecting  to  my  feelings :  but  it  is  a  sorrow  so 
mercifully  united  with  hope  and  comfort,  that  we  ought 
rather  to  rejoice  in  their  removal  to  a  better  state. 

In  the  altered  situation  of  the  bereaved  family, 
various  circumstances  concurred  to  bring  the 
members  of  it  under  a  serious  consideration  of  the 
religious  course  which  they  believed  to  be  most 
likely  to  conduce  to  their  right  settlement  in 
Christian-  truth.  At  a  time  when  their  hearts 
were  rendered  peculiarly  impressible  by  heavy 
affliction,  and  acutely  alive  to  the  soothing  effect 
of  sympathy  and  to  the  consolations  of  the  gospel, 
they  became  intimately  acquainted  with  a  pious 
and  zealous  clergyman  of  the  "  Established  Church," 
Edward  Edwards,  of  Lynn.  He  evinced  a  deep 
interest  in  the  spiritual  condition  of  these  young 
persons,  and  was  instrumental  in  imbuing  their 
minds  with  a  clearer  comprehension  of  the  funda- 
mental principles  of  New  Testament  doctrine. 
This  naturally  induced  a  strong  mutual  attachment, 
which  at  length  resulted  in  the  union  of  several 
of  the  family  with  that  section  of  professors  with 
which  their  kind  instructor  was  connected.  But 
whilst  some  of  them  were  attracted  in  that  direc- 
tion, others  soon  afterwards  yielded  to  an  influence 
of  a  different  character.  The  example  of  their 


1810.]  MEMOIR   OF    PRISCILLA   GURNEY.  17 

beloved  sister  Elizabeth  Fry,  who  had  become  a 
decided  Friend,  and  who  had,  in  a  remarkable 
manner,  been  enabled  to  uphold,  in  great  bright- 
ness, the  standard  of  Christian  excellence,  operated 
powerfully,  yet  almost  imperceptibly,  on  several 
of  the  family  circle;  and  this,  together  with  a 
consequent  increase  of  acquaintance,  not  only  with 
the  principles,  but  also  with  many  devoted  mem- 
bers, of  the  religious  Society  in  which  they  had 
been  nominally  educated,  was,  under  the  Divine 
blessing,  the  means  of  strengthening  their  attach- 
ment to  the  worship  and  views  of  '•  Friends,"  and 
they  eventually  became  firmly  established  in  their 
Christian  profession. 

Notwithstanding  this  diversity  in  the  external 
manifestation  of  their  conscientious  impressions, 
there  was  much  of  the  true  "  unity  of  the  Spirit 
in  the  bond  of  peace"  preserved  amongst  them, 
and  the  fruits  of  gospel  love,  and  of  submission  to 
the  cross  of  Christ,  were  evidenced  in  life  and 
conduct. 

Some  letters  from  Priscilla  Gurney  to  her  sister 
Fry,  written  in  the  year  1810,  describe  the  serious 
considerations  into  which  her  mind  was  introduced, 
whilst  yet  somewhat  undecided  as  to  her  own 
future  course,  as  well  as  her  earnest  desire  to  be 
guided  by  the  Holy  Spirit.  The  style  of  expres- 
sion will  show  that  she  had  not  been  accustomed 
to  adhere  to  the  correct  grammatical  language 
used  by  "  Friends." 
2* 


18  MEMOIR   OF    PRISCILLA   GURNEY.  [1810. 

MY  DEAREST  BETSY, — 
I  have  been  wishing  to  answer  thy  letter  ever  since  I 

received  it It  is  always  interesting  to  hear 

at  all  intimately  from  thee.  I  am  sure  I  can  feel  for  thee 
in  what  thee  must  have  had  to  go  through  lately  ;*  but  I 
am  never  inclined  to  feel  much  anxiety  about  thee.  There 
is  so  much  cause  for  hope  that  thee  will  be  carried  through 
every  trial,  as  thee  has  hitherto  been.  Thee  wishes  me  to 
send  thee  a  particular  account  of  myself;  but  I  really 
hardly  know  what  to  say.  When  I  think  of  thee  I  feel  so 
ashamed  of  myself.  I  do  not  know  how  to  communicate 
all  my  great  weakness  and  deficiencies,  and  this,  I  believe, 
is  one  reason  why  I  do  not  write  oftener  to  thee ;  but  I 
may  truly  say  that  I  often  think  of  thee,  and  feel  very 
near  to  thee  in  heart.  Thy  sympathy,  even  at  a  distance, 
is  very  valuable  and  helpful  to  me.  I  have  sometimes 
suffered  painful  discouragements,  chiefly  from  finding  my 
heart  still  so  attached  to  the  world;  but  more  often,  lately, 
I  have  been  hopeful  and  comfortable ;  indeed,  I  have  no 
cause  to  be  uncomfortable,  except  from  my  own  want  of 
faith  and  continued  deficiencies.  Some  pains  that  I  feared 
so  much  seem  so  unexpectedly  removed.  I  felt  so  much 
anxiety  lest  we  should  be  any  source  of  pain  to  dear 
Catherine,f  but  nothing  can  well  have  exceeded  her 
conduct  towards  us.  She  gives  us  the  most  entire  liberty 
to  pursue  that  path  which  is  the  most  for  our  good  and 
happiness :  I  do  not  mean  only  in  judgment,  but  in  feeling; 
for  she  has  fully  expressed  to  us  that,  let  us  be  what  we 

*  In  reference  to  E.  J.  F.'s  early  engagements  as  a  gospel 
minister. 

f  Catherine  Gurney  had  returned  from  a  lengthened  stay  at 
Lynn,  where  she  had  become  united  to  the  "  Established 
Church." 


1810.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  19 

may,  if  we  act  from  conscience,  she  does  not  think  it  would 

give  her  any  pain I  think  I  never  felt  more 

truly  united  to  her,  or  more  happy  and  easy  with  her, 
than  I  do  now.  Her  cheerfulness,  calmness  and  steadiness, 
is  the  greatest  support  to  us  all ;  and  what  a  blessing  it  is 
after  all  we  have  suffered ! 

A  few  months  later,  to  the  same  sister  she 
writes :  — 

I  felt  thy  kindness  in  writing  to  me  with  all  thy  numerous 
engagements.  I  am  glad  thee  wrote  to  me  what  was  on 
thy  mind,  and  I  now  beg  of  thee  always  to  say  to  me, 
with  perfect  freedom,  anything  that  thee  thinks  it  right  to 
say.  I  had  rather  know  all  thy  fears  and  anxieties  about 
us,  and  I  really  dread  shutting  my  eyes  against  the  truth, 

from   whatever   quarter   it   may  come The 

last  two  months  have,  in  many  respects,  been  very  sweet 
and  peaceful  ones  to  me ;  though  my  spirits  have  been 
frequently  depressed,  yet  I  have  internally  been  generally 

calm  and  at  rest I  believe,  my  dear  Betsy, 

thee  art  mistaken  if  thee  thinks  that  I  am  puzzling  and 
perplexing  myself  with  different  doctrines  and  opinions : 
I  never,  that  I  remember,  felt  less  inclined  to  do  this,  or 
less  able  to  bear  it ;  and  the  reading  that  I  have  had  has 
not  been  of  that  sort.  I  have  read  lately  Walker's 
"  Christian,"  and  his  "  Christ  the  Purifier,"  which  are 
only  on  general  principles  in  which  I  think  all  Christians 
must  and  do  agree.  Such  books  as  these  are  only  en- 
lightening and  strengthening  to  me,  and  I  believe  really 
do  comfort  and  do  me  good.  I  have  also  been  reading 
some  chapters  in  the  Testament,  with  Scott's  Commentary, 
which  has  been  a  real  assistance  to  me.  It  has  convinced 
me  of  two  things ;  first,  how  very  little  I  know  the  Bible, 


20  MEMOIR  OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  [1810. 

and  also  that  some  assistance  in  reading  it  is,  to  some 
people,  very  beneficial,  though  all  may  not  require  it ;  for, 
though  I  firmly  helieve  that  we  ought  not  to  be  guided  by 
any  man  or  anything  short  of  the  Divine  direction,  yet  I 
have  no  doubt  we  may  be  assistants  to  one  another.  I 
must  now  say  a  little  on  our  communication  with  the 
Edwardses,  at  least  tell  thee,  as  far  as  I  can,  my  feelings 

on   the   subject Our  union  with   them   has 

certainly  been  no  indifferent  matter  to  any  of  us,  and  it 
is  my  firm  belief  that  we  may  consider  our  connexion  with 

them  as  a  great  blessing I  think  nothing  in 

life  can  be  sweeter  than  to  feel  union  in  spiritual  things 
with  those  that  are  dear  to  us,  and  to  be  stimulated  by  it 
to  press  forward  in  the  way  to  eternal  life  and  happiness : 
this  has  very  often  been  the  effect  of  their  influence  upon 
my  mind ;  it  has  made  me  more  hopeful,  has  given  me 
more  faith  in  the  efficacy  of  our  Saviour's  sufferings  and 
death  for  our  sins,  and  seems  to  have  taken  off  that  mise- 
rable sense  of  my  sinfulness  and  weakness  which  often  so 
heavily  oppressed  my  heart ;  but  I  am  sure  they  have  not 
destroyed  or  lessened  my  belief  in  the  absolute  necessity 
of  obedience  to  the  will  of  God.  I  hope  I  am  enabled  to 
desire  that  I  may  not  choose  my  own  way,  but  that  I  may 
be  more  and  more  willing  to  commit  myself  entirely  to 
Him  who  can  and  will  direct  us,  if  we  come  unto  Him  in 
sincerity  of  heart ;  but  I  must  confess  to  thee  that  these 
desires  are  too  often  very  faint,  and  my  weakness  and 
inability  are  very  great. 

During  the  summer  of  this  year  (1810),  Eliza- 
beth J.  Fry  visited  her  endeared  connexions  at 
Earlham.  She  mentions  in  her  journal  having 
much  conversation  with  some  of  them  upon  their 


1810.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  21 

religious  views,  and  says,  "I  felt  very,  fully 
strengthened  to  express  my  mind,  and  not  to 
shrink;  and  I  believe  I  did  no  hurt."  On  her 
return  home  she  records,  "abundant  cause  to  be 
grateful  that,  on  leaving  Earlham,  and  my  ten- 
derly-beloved brothers  and  sisters,  my  mind  felt 
very  clear;  trusting  that  I  had  been  enabled  to 
accomplish  that  which  came  to  hand  to  do  amongst 
them :  and  I  hope  without  hurting  the  great  cause." 
The  intercourse,  which  was  thus  intimately  re- 
newed with  her  sister  Priscilla,  tended  much  to 
strengthen,  in  the  mind  of  the  latter,  a  conviction 
which  had  evidently  become  more  clearly  im- 
pressed, that  the  path  designed  for  her  by  Infinite 
Wisdom  was  in  the  line  of  dedication  to  the  ser- 
vice of  Christ,  as  a  consistent  Friend.  When  this 
course  was  opened  before  her,  in  the  light  of  Truth, 
she  was  firm  and  decided  in  her  endeavour  to  yield 
her  whole  heart  to  follow  those  manifestations  of 
the  Divine  will  which  were  graciously  vouchsafed 
to  her.  She,  however,  felt  the  loneliness  of  her 
spiritual  allotment ;  and,  about  three  weeks  after 
her  sister's  departure,  thus  addresses  her : — 

I  have,  indeed,  very  much  felt  thy  loss,  my  dear  Betsy, 
and  have  thought  of  thee  since  we  parted  with  a  deep  and 
tender  interest  and  affection.  Indeed  it  has,  at  times, 
been  discouraging  to  me  to  find  how  much  I  have  missed 
thee.  I  cannot  help  sometimes  longing  for  thy  encou- 
raging and  supporting  influence ;  but  I  do  not  doubt  that 
it  is  for  my  good  to  stand  as  much  alone  in  my  present 


22  MEMOIR  OF   PRISCILLA  GURNET.  [1810. 

path  as  I  do,  for  it  is  too  much  my  disposition  to  lean 
upon  others  ;  and  I  firmly  believe  that,  if  my  dependence 
were  more  solely  placed  on  Him  whose  help  is  all-suffi- 
cient, I  should  not  be  liable  to  the  painful  discouragements 
I  now  and  then  experience.  My  weakness  is  very  great, 
and  it  seems  at  times  almost  impossible  to  keep  fast  hold 
of  what  appears  to  me  as  right  for  myself.  I  fear  to  give 
way  to  anything  like  a  spirit  of  complaining,  knowing 
what  abundant  cause  I  have  for  thankfulness.  But  thou 
so  well  knowest  the  present  state  of  our  family,  that  I 
believe  thou  canst  understand  my  difficulties,  and  I  have 
no  doubt  canst  sympathize  with  me  in  them.  In  some 
respects  it  is  a  harder  trial  of  faith  to  be  amongst  those 
who  seem  diligently,  and  in  sincerity  of  heart,  to  be  seek- 
ing the  one  thing  needful  in  a  different  way  from  ourselves, 
than  with  those  whose  hearts  are  in  the  world.  It  does 
bring  everything  so  to  the  test,  which  is  often  a  humi- 
liating, though  I  doubt  not  useful  trial  to  us.  ...  It 
would,  perhaps,  be  too  sweet  and  too  easy  were  we  entirely 
united  in  one  path :  as  it  is,  how  delightful  it  is  to  feel  as 
much  unity  as  we  all  do  in  the  most  important  concerns. 
I  do  not  think  I  ever  felt  a  more  uninterrupted  harmony 
and  affection  to  reign  amongst  us  than  at  this  time.  I 
have  very  often  thought  of  thy  dear  Joseph's  advice  to 
me  when  he  was  here,  not  to  be  discouraged  at  feeling  in 
some  respects  walking  alone.  This  is  what  I  must  expect 
to  do,  though  it  is  sometimes  painful  to  my  feelings.  .  .  . 
I  feel  it  often  an  inestimable  privilege  that  my  mind  has 
not  been  more  unsettled  from  Friends,  for  I  do  believe  it 
to  be  so  remarkably  safe  a  path,  that  I  increasingly  feel 

the  value  of  it Dear  John  went  to  Lynn  this 

morning,  where  he  expects  to  stay  about  ten  days.  He 
has  been  so  very  comfortably  settled  at  home  that  we  are 


1810.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA  GURNET  23 

all  sorry  to  part  with  him  again.  Dear  Joseph  has  been 
in  one  of  his  very  sweet  minds  lately ;  it  is  most  encou- 
raging to  see  him  going  on  as  he  is.  We  cannot  but  long 
for  him  not  to  flinch  from  the  cross  of  Christ,  in  whatever 

way  it  may  be  presented  to  him I  have  rather 

set  my  mind  on  Quarterly  Meeting  next  week  :  I  wish  it 
may  prove  a  stimulus  to  me.  I  look  forward  to  the  return 
of  the  Grove  family*  with  pleasure  and  comfort.  Their 
influence,  I  think,  will  be  helpful  to  me.  We  had  a  nice 
visit  from  Hannah  and  Elizabeth,  f  I  thought  dear  Han- 
nah in  a  remarkably  sweet  and  open  mind,  though  I  did 
not  feel  any  ability  to  be  intimate  with  her.  She  seems 
really  very  happy  in  her  prospects.  Jonathan,  I  think, 
must  be  a  valuable  young  man. 

To  a  beloved  Friend,  who  had  been  made  willing 
to  devote  herself  to  the  service  of  Christ,  P.  G. 
writes : — 

Second  Month  25th,  1810. 

I  cannot  doubt  thou  hast  done  the  right  thing,  and  what 
was  required  of  thee;  and  in  doing  this  we  experience 
peace  and  serenity,  which  the  gratification  of  our  own 
wills  and  desires  can  never  give.  And  though,  indeed, 
we  have  cause  to  acknowledge  that  we  are  unprofitable 
servants,  yet  obedience  gives  us  confidence  to  cast  our- 
selves upon  God,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Saviour.  May 
we  endeavour,  under  all  circumstances,  and  in  all  situa- 
tions, to  cleave  unto  the  Lord,  who  alone  can  uphold  us, 
and  renew  our  strength  daily.  ...  A  stedfast  adherence 
to  what  we  know  to  be  our  duty,  though  it  may  sometimes 

*  Her  uncle  Joseph  Gurney's. 

•}•  The  daughters  of  her  uncle  Joseph,  afterwards  the  wives  of 
Jonathan  Backhouse  and  Robert  Barclay. 


24  MEMOIR   OF  PRISCILLA   GURNET.  [1810. 

bring  us  into  apparent  difficulties,  is,  I  have  no  doubt,  a 
help  and  a  strength  to  us  in  our  dealings  with  others. 
But  if  thou  art  sensible  of  failings  and  weakness  in  this 
respect,  I  know  how  to  sympathize  with  thee.  It  is  no 
easy,  no  light  work,  to  maintain  the  watch ;  but  though 
we  may  be  frequently  falling  short,  so  as  to  feel  much 
discouragement,  let  us  still  endeavour  to  watch  and  pray, 
that  we  enter  not  into  temptation.  If  we  are  enabled  to 
see  the  Truth,  and  at  least  at  those  times  when  we  are 
alive  to  it,  we  must  see  and  feel  that,  of  ourselves,  we  are 
wretched  and  miserable  and  poor  and  blind;  and  this 
ought  to  make  us  humble  and  meek  and  lowly  in  heart ; 
and  the  fruit  of  this  spirit  should  appear  towards  others, 
by  rendering  us  patient,  gentle,  &c.,  though  steady  and 
firm  in  all  we  believe  to  be  right. 

Soon  afterwards  she  penned  the  following  in- 
structive remarks : — 

It  is  consoling,  under  the  sense  and  burden  of  our  ma- 
nifold infirmities,  to  find  that  others  have  had  the  same 
trials  —  the  same  pilgrimage  to  pass  through.  At  times 
the  present  state  of  probation,  and  the  prospect  of  what 
is  at  the  end  of  the  race,  wears  a  more  serious  aspect  than 
at  others,  and  seems  to  come  more  home  to  the  heart ;  and 
yet,  how  much  more  cause  we  have  to  wonder  that  this 
should  have  so  little  effect  upon  us,  than  that  it  should 
impress  us  awfully.  Oh,  how  important  it  is  that  we 
should,  at  all  times,  be  found  watching  !  But  how  far  am 
I  from  this  desirable  state !  Almost  every  day  proves  my 
unwatchfulness  and  want  of  faith.  This  makes  me  feel 
the  necessity  of  going  on  quietly,  and  professing  little ; 
in  short,  of  showing  our  faith  more  by  our  works  than  by 
our  words. 


1810.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  25 

A  few  weeks  later,  she  addressed  the  following 
letter  to  her  friend  and  cousin,  Anna  Buxton 
(afterwards  the  wife  of  William  Forster).  The 
similarity  of  their  course,  and  the  manner  in  which 
both  of  them  were  brought  by  experimental  reli- 
gion, to  an  implicit  faith  in  the  immediate  power 
and  teaching  of  the  Spirit  of  Truth,  united  them 
very  closely  in  the  life  and  love  of  the  Gospel. 

Earlham,  Ninth  Month  29th,  1810. 

I  believe  I  never  felt  for  thee  such  love  and  sympathy 
as  at  this  time It  is  frequently  a  support  and  re- 
freshment to  me  to  turn  my  thoughts  towards  thee,  and  it 
is  an  encouragement  to  me  to  remember  how  thou  hast 
hitherto  been  mercifully  led  and  supported  in  that  path 
which  I  have  also  entered.  It  is  often  the  earnest  desire 
of  my  heart  that  we  may,  every  one  of  us,  whether  Friends 
or  not,  be  enabled  to  "  run  with  patience  the  race  that  is 
set  before  us,"  and  labour  to  enter  into  that  rest  which  is 
prepared  for  the  people  of  God.  I  do,  indeed,  increasingly 
feel  the  infinite  importance  of  it,  though  the  work  is  some- 
times very  hard  to  our  weak  and  frail  nature,  and  we 
hardly  know  how  to  hold  on  our  way  amidst  the  tempta- 
tions and  discouragements  which  we  are  liable  to  in  our 
pilgrimage  here ;  yet  we  know  there  is  an  Almighty  power 
which  can  preserve  us  through  them  all,  and  make  our 
way  clear  before  us ;  and  to  this  may  we,  at  all  times,  and 
under  all  circumstances,  look  for  strength. 

I  feel  very  deeply  interested  in  Joseph's  state  of  mind 

at   this   time,  which,  indeed,  seems  to  be  a  serious  one. 

Whatever  path  he  may  in  future  think  best  to  pursue,  it 

is  my  belief  that  there  is  something  in  him  that  draws 

3 


26  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  [1810. 

near  to  Friends.  But  I  desire  to  leave  all  these  things, 
for  I  really  fear  to  have  any  selfish  considerations ;  though 
being  in  some  things  so  much  left  to  walk  alone  is,  no-w- 
and then,  very  distressing  to  my  spirits.  Yet  I  have 
hardly  ever  felt  any  essential  discouragement,  or  any  mis- 
givings as  to  the  steps  I  have  myself  taken,  for  which  I 
ought  to  be  thankful.  I  do  believe  that  nothing  short  of 
very  much  giving  up,  in  heart,  all  things  in  this  life  will 
do ;  and  this  we  must  diligently  labour  after,  whatever  it^ 
may  cost  us. 

About  this  time  she  addressed  the  following 
letter  to  her  beloved  cousin,  M.  B.,*  who,  like  her- 
self, had  yielded  to  convictions,  which  led  to  the 
full  adoption  of  the  Christian  views  and  practices 
of  the  Society  of  Friends:  — 

"  It  is  impossible  but  that  our  having  come  to  the  same 
conclusion  should  be  a  fresh  bond  of  union  between  us.  I 
confess  I  feel  it  so,  though  I  never  felt  more  inclined  to 
love  and  to  be  united  to  all  who  are  endeavouring  to  serve 
God  to  the  best  of  their  ability.  It  is  so  hard  valiantly 
to  maintain  the  Christian  warfare,  that  whatever  we  find 
is  an  assistance  to  us  is  too  valuable  to  be  rejected.  If 
we  have  thought  it  right  to  adopt  a  stricter  appearance 
externally,  may  it  indeed  be  an  incitement  and  a  stimulus 
to  keep  our  watch  more  diligently,  that  "  we  may  lay  aside 
every  weight,  and  the  sins  that  most  easily  beset  us,  and 
run  with  patience  the  race  that  is  set  before  us."  The 
adopting  our  religious  garb  is  like  a  more  open  profession 
to  others,  that  we  desire  to  forsake  the  world,  or  at  least 
the  evils  of  it ;  and  in  this  way  it  appears  to  me  a  very  serious 

*  Maria  Barclay,  afterwards  the  wife  of  Robert  Were  Fox. 


1810.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  27 

thing,  and  no  light  matter.  I  have  cause,  indeed,  to  be 
humbled  at  my  little  progress  in  the  best  things  —  my 
lukewarmness,  un watchfulness,  and  manifold  deficiencies 
and  infirmities.  One  thing  I  am  sure  of,  —  that  the  more 
we  are  devoted  to  a  religious  life,  the  happier  we  are,  even 
here. 

The  winter  of  1810  was  passed  by  Priscilla 
Gurney  in  the  quiet  pursuit  of  her  usual  avoca- 
tions—  administering  to  the  necessities  of  those 
around  her  who  were  suffering  from  penury  or 
sickness,  and  in  the  supervision  of  the  schools  in 
the  vicinity  of  Earlhara  Hall,  which  had  been 
established  through  the  active  benevolence  of  its 
inmates.  We  have,  from  the  pen  of  her  brother- 
in-law,  Sir  T.  F.  Buxton,  a  lively  reference  to  the 
assiduous  attentions  devoted  by  Priscilla  to  the 
relief  of  the  indigent,  and  to  the  several  "  days  in 
every  week"  in  which  she  was  exclusively  employed 
in  visiting  them  :  "  I  can,"  he  says,  "  speak  of  the 
manner  in  which  she  was  prepared,  as  soon  as 
breakfast  was  over,  to  proceed  to  her  task ;  her 
basket  in  readiness,  filled  with  such  little  presents 
as  she  thought  might  be  useful  or  acceptable  to 
those  who  were  suffering  from  disease."  The  com- 
paratively inconspicuous  course  of  duty,  which 
thus  occupied  much  of  her  time,  was  peculiarly 
favourable  to  that  spiritual  communion  with  her 
Redeemer,  by  which  the  experience  of  his  love 
and  power  prepared  her  to  show  forth  the  riches 
of  his  grace;  and,  through  the  effectual  operation 


28  MEMOIR   OF    PR1SCILLA   GURNET.  [1811. 

of  his  Holy  Spirit,  the  principles  of  Christian  truth 
professed  by  Friends  were  increasingly  precious  in 
her  view,  and  she  was  enabled  to  dedicate  her 
whole  heart  to  the  service  of  her  Lord.  Her  ex- 
ample in  the  domestic  circle  operated  powerfully, 
and  evidenced  that  the  one  great  object  of  her  life 
was  to  "  press  toward  the  mark  for  the  prize  of" 
her  "  high  calling  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus." 

Priscilla  Gurney  attended  the  Yearly  Meeting  in 
London  in  the  Fifth  Month  of  the  following  year, 
and  three  weeks  afterwards  she  writes  to  her  sister, 
E.  J.  Fry,  a  report  of  the  Quarterly  Meeting  in 
Norwich. 

Earlham,  Sixth  Month  28th,  1811. 

MY  DEAREST  BETSY, 

I  think  it  will  be  a  satisfaction  to  thee  to  hear  that  the 
Quarterly  Meeting  has  passed  off  very  smoothly  and  com- 
fortably, as  far  as  we  are  all  concerned.  I  returned  from 
Hunston  on  Second-day,  after  paying  a  pleasant  visit  there. 
I  found  (on  reaching  home)  Richard  and  Nancy  Alexan- 
der here ;  they  had  made  the  effort  to  come  to  see  us, 
which  I  thought  really  kind  of  them,  and  I  think  it  was 
pleasant  to  both  parties.  It  is  such  a  pity  that  Friends 
should  absent  themselves  from  Earlham,  where  there  is 
such  a  willingness  to  receive  them.  I  met  Henry  Hull 
before  meeting  on  Third-day,  and  was  very  glad  to  see 
him  again.  The  first  meeting,  and  indeed  both,  were  in- 
teresting. H.  Hull  seemed  to  give  general  satisfaction. 
Rachel  was  much  pleased  with  him,  and  was  not,  I  believe, 
at  all  overset  by  the  meetings.  Ann  Burgess  and  Eliza- 
beth Robson  are  pleasing,  and  I  have  no  doubt  valuable 
Friends.  We  had  our  Yearly  Meeting  dinner  as  usual ; 


1811.]  MEMOIR   OF    PRISCILLA   GURNET.  29 

and  in  the  evening  Anna*  and  I  went  to  the  Grove  to  see 
H.  Hull  and  the  other  Friends,  which  was  quite  a  refresh- 
ment and  treat  to  us  both.  Dear  H.  Hull  was  very  affec- 
tionate to  us,  and  seemed  pleased  to  be  with  us  again. 
He  and  Joseph  had  had  a  warm  meeting  in  the  morning. 
Catherine  is  most  kindly  disposed  about  him,  and  seems 
really  to  wish  to  see  him  here,  and  he  intends  to  pay  us  a 
visit  the  next  time  he  comes  to  Norwich.  The  next  morn- 
ing Anna  and  I  again  breakfasted  at  the  Grove,  and  went 
to  Tasboroughf  with  all  the  Friends,  as  I  wished  to  be  as 
much  with  them  as  I  could :  the  morning  was  very  com- 
fortable to  me.  We  returned  to  dinner  to  meet  Samuel 
Alexander  and  Lucy  Maw,  and  their  visit  was  very  plea- 
sant, and  I  hope  easy  to  them.  Nothing  can  well  exceed 
dear  Catherine's  kindness  and  sweet  disposition  of  mind 
towards  all  the  Friends,  she  seems  so  anxious  to  do  her 
part  rightly.  John  behaved  very  kindly  to  them.  As  for 
dear  Catherine,  she  is  quite  an  example  in  her  conduct : 
it  has  been  a  real  satisfaction  to  me  to  be  with  her  again, 
and  for  us  to  be  living  again  together.  I  may  truly  say 
she  is  an  encouragement,  and  in  many  things  a  help  to  me 

on  my  way I  hardly  know  what  to  say  about 

Joseph :  I  think  thou  wouldst  be  encouraged  about  him, 
if  thou  couldst  see  his  most  sweet  and  amiable  conduct  at 
home :  he  seems  to  me  to  have  been  really  stimulated  and 
encouraged  by  the  Yearly  Meeting,  strengthened  and  con- 
firmed in  many  of  the  principles  of  Friends.  I  never  saw 
him  appear  so  earnest  in  the  search  for  truth  and  in  the 
pursuit  of  his  duties.  I  fully  believe  he  is  anxious  to  apply 
for  the  best  direction,  with  a  willing  heart  and  a  humble 
spirit :  indeed,  this  appears  to  be  the  case  in  a  remarkable 

*  Anna  Buxton. 

f  At  Tasborougb  a  small  meeting  of  Friends  is  held 


30  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  [1811. 

degree ;  therefore  I  feel  how  desirahle  it  is  to  commit  him 
to  a  better  care  than  ours,  earnestly  desiring  that  nothing 
may  frustrate  the  work  that  seems  going  forward  in  his 
mind.  I  must  now,  before  I  conclude  this  account  of  us, 
tell  thee  that  I  have  been  very  comfortable :  I  have  more 
than  usually  enjoyed  settling  again  at  home.  Though 
often  oppressed  by  my  own  infirmities  and  discouraged  by 
weakness,  yet  I  feel  in  the  main  happy  and  cheerful.  My 
home  is  a  truly  happy  one  to  me.  Our  blessings  are  in- 
deed abundant,  and  I  am  sure  I  have  cause  to  acknowledge 
that  the  way  of  the  cross,  as  far  as  I  have  been  willing  to 
follow  it,  has  been  to  me  a  path  of  pleasantness  and  peace, 
and  that  when  I  draw  back,  it  produces  dissatisfaction  and 
uneasiness.  Dear  Anna's  company  has  been  very  sweet 
and  valuable  to  me :  I  think  we  were  never  so  united.  I 
feel  a  near  interest  indeed  in  thee,  my  dearest  Betsy,  and 
value  not  a  little  the  time  that  we  have  lately  passed  to- 
gether. And  now,  hoping  to  have  rather  an  intimate  and 
full  letter  from  thee,  I  must  bid  thee  farewell,  and  remain, 
with  near  and  dear  love, 

Thy  very  affectionate  sister, 

P.  G. 

Priscilla  Gurney  had,  from  religious  conviction, 
declined  the  amusements  and  pursuits  of  fashion- 
able life,  and  had  adopted,  in  her  external  appear- 
ance and  deportment,  the  sober  habits  of  Friends: 
and  knowing  by  experience  how  greatly  such  a 
course  of  conduct  tended  to  preserve  from  the  evils 
of  the  world  and  from  the  power  of  temptation,  she 
was  anxious  that  her  beloved  brothers  and  near 
connexions  might  be  induced  to  resist  all  those 
allurements  to  pleasure  and  vanity  which  are  in- 


1811.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  31 

consistent  with  the  Christian  life ;  and  she  felt 
assured,  from  the  peace  which  she  found  in  this 
path  of  self-denial,  that  the  smile  of  Heaven  rested 
upon  it.  She  addressed,  at  this  time,  the  following 
excellent  letter  to  her  youngest  brother,  Daniel 
Gurney,  then  twenty-one  years  of  age  :  — 

Sixth  Month  6th,  1811. 

I  believe  there  is  so  much  that  is  positively  wrong  and 
contrary  to  a  Christian  spirit  in  public  places,  that  they 
have  such  a  pernicious  tendency  to  lead  so  many  into  dan- 
gerous temptations  and  even  sins,  that  I  rejoice  when  any 
one  I  love  is  brought  to  the  conclusion  of  giving  them  up. 
And  if  thy  mind  be  brought  to  this  conclusion  from  the 
dictates  of  conscience,  I  wish  to  encourage  thee  to  stand 
firm,  and  not  be  afraid  to  avow  thy  sentiments  on  the 
subject  to  others ;  for  I  believe  a  degree  of  boldness  in 
such  things  may  be  strengthening  to  ourselves,  and  may 
be  helpful  and  encouraging  to  our  companions.  It  is  well 
for  us  in  all  our  occupations  and  engagements  to  walk 
cautiously,  to  examine  the  motives  by  which  we  are  actu- 
ated, and  to  attend  to  the  voice  of  conscience,  which  surely 
is  no  less  than  the  Light  of  Christ  manifested  in  our 
hearts.  We  are  too  apt  to  engage  in  things  that  are 
wrong,  because  we  will  not  consider  and  will  not  open  our 
eyes  to  this  light.  I  often  think  that  young  men  are  ex- 
posed to  many  more  temptations  and  difficulties  than 
women ;  and  if  they  are  enabled,  by  Divine  assistance,  to 
stand  against  them  with  courage  and  humble  dependence, 
that  they  may  do  much  more  by  example  than  women  can 
do.  My  first  and  earnest  desire  for  all  my  dear  brothers 
is,  that  you  may  become  as  shining  lights  in  the  world, 
not  hiding  your  candles  under  a  bushel ;  that  you  may  not 


32  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  [1811. 

be  afraid  of  showing  to  the  world  that  you  have  espoused 
the  cause  of  religion,  and  prefer  it  before  all  things,  and 
that  you  are  willing  to  suffer  shame  for  the  sake  of  it. 
How  very  far  had  I  rather  this  should  be  the  case  with 
you,  than  to  see  you  in  possession  of  all  the  honours  and 
riches  that  this  world  can  afford ! 

About  four  weeks  later  than  the  above  date,  she 
penned  the  following  to  an  intimate  friend :  — 

Seventh  Month,  1811. 

I  have  such  a  belief  that  if  the  heart  be  willing,  and 
our  desires  sincere,  though  we  know  them  to  be  weak  and 
faint,  that  a  way  is  mercifully  made  for  us,  and  hard 
things  are  rendered  comparatively  easy,  beyond  what  we 
could  look  for  or  expect.  I  can  sometimes  long  that  we 
may  every  one  of  us  more  and  more  commit  our  way  unto 
the  Lord,  casting  all  our  care  upon  Him  who  careth  for 
us,  and  then  I  believe  indeed  we  should  find  Him  to  be  an 
all-sufficient  helper  in  time  of  need,  and  an  all-wise  director 
in  the  midst  of  darkness  and  difficulties.  We  are  too 
fearful  (at  least  I  am  sure  I  am,)  of  thus  committing  our- 
selves to  Him,  and  of  casting  ourselves  without  reserve  on 
his  mercy,  forgetting  that  He  will  impose  no  burthen  upon 
us  which  we  are  unable,  through  his  assistance,  to  bear ; 
and  though  He  may  even  call  upon  us,  as  it  were,  to  for- 
sake father,  mother,  houses,  lands,  &c.,  for  his  sake,  or  at 
least  to  prefer  Him  before  all,  yet  are  not  his  strength  and 
his  love  sufficient  for  us  ?  And  is  not  the  reward  sure, 
and  greatly  beyond  all  we  may  have  to  suffer  here  ?  Do 
read  in  Isaiah  xl.  27,  to  the  end,  xli.  10-17,  xliii.  1-3. 
They  are  deeply  instructive  passages,  containing  striking 
encouragement  to  the  Christian  traveller.  In  such  cases 
(as  that  of  pursuing  a  more  decided  path),  we  must  all 


1811.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  33 

agree  in  thinking  that  it  is  most  desirable  not  to  be  pre- 
cipitate or  hasty ;  but,  on  the  other  hand,  it  requires  care, 
if  the  time  be  clearly  manifested  to  us,  not  to  let  it  pass 
by  us,  as  there  is,  no  doubt,  danger  of  our  imaginations 
being  at  work,  and  too  active ;  we  had  need  more  conti- 
nually have  our  hearts  fixed  on  Him,  who  alone  can  lead 
us  surely  and  safely,  and  who  enables  us,  I  believe,  to 

distinguish  necessary  from  imaginary  duties 

I  believe  the  most  effectual  way  of  serving  others  is  to  be 
faithful  ourselves;  for  when  can  we  with  so  much  confi- 
dence and  hope  apply  to  the  throne  of  grace  for  those  we 
love,  as  when  we  are  endeavouring  humbly  (though  in 
ever  so  much  weakness,)  to  serve  God  acceptably  our- 
selves ? 

Does  not  the  Lord  hear  the  prayer  of  his  dependent 
children  ?  I  have  almost  universally  found  that,  when  my 
own  will  has  been  opposed  to  what  I  have  believed  the 
Divine  will  concerning  me,  the  power  for  prayer  and  draw- 
ing near  to  God  have  been  taken  from  me  ;  and  on  the 
contrary,  when  I  have  given  up  to  what  He  has  required  of 
me,  I  have  at  times,  I  believe,  felt  his  presence  (which  only 
gives  peace  and  comfort,)  to  be  near  me,  and  also  an  in- 
creased ability  to  receive  Christ  as  a  Saviour  and  Redeemer. 

Near  the  close  of  the  year  she  wrote  to  another 
beloved  friend  :  — 

In  such  a  shifting  scene  as  this,  we  want  more  than 
natural  affection  to  keep  us  together ;  we  must  cultivate 
that  love  which  is  still  more  precious,  which  may  be  lasting 
among  all  the  changes  and  chances  of  this  life,  and  which, 
it  is  delightful  to  hope,  may  be  perfected  in  another  world. 
The  very  imperfection  of  all  our  enjoyments  here  has  some- 
times a  confirming  effect  on  my  mind,  it  is  so  like  the  seed 


34  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  [1812. 

being  sown  of  the  fruit  which  we  expect  to  reap  hereafter. 
I  have  no  doubt  there  is  nothing  to  be  compared  to  the 
enjoyment  of  walking  in  the  paths  of  the  Lord,  and  we 
experience  this  truth  as  much  from  the  painful  experience 
of  wandering  from  them,  as  from  the  blessedness  of  ever 
being  enabled  in  some  measure  to  walk  in  them. 
Oh  !  that  we  may  become  increasingly  fixed  on  that  rock 
which  remains  firm,  however  the  winds  and  the  waves  may 
beat  against  it ;  but  the  attainment  of  this  is  no  light,  no 
short  work,  and  we  have  deeply  and  painfully  to  expe- 
rience our  own  weakness  and  infirmities  before  we  learn 
where  our  true  strength  is  to  be  found.  I  think  I  may 
say,  that  I  am  increasingly  convinced  that  in  ourselves 
we  are  and  have  nothing. 

Fifth  Month  14th,  1812. 

Most  fully  do  I  unite  with  thee  in  the  blessedness  of 
obedience  to  the  Divine  will.  In  the  Christian  life  we  see 
there  is  such  a  variety  of  means  for  the  attainment  of  the 
same  great  end,  that  it  has  always  appeared  to  me,  that 
we  are  not  sufiicient  of  ourselves  to  choose  those  means 
which  are  best  for  us,  and  that  the  more  we  commit  our 
way  unto  the  Lord,  the  more  we  are  likely  to  prosper  in 
that  spiritual  life  which  is  light  and  peace ;  and  I  think 
that  the  scriptures  authorize  us  to  believe  that  the  Light 
or  Holy  Spirit  which  is  given  to  every  man  to  profit  withal, 
is  all-sufficient  to  lead  us  in  the  way  in  which  we  should 
go,  that  it  reproves  us  for  every  evil  thought  and  word, 
arid  that  it  instructs  us  in  our  duties ;  and  does  it  not  also 
open  our  minds  to  understand  the  important  doctrines  of 
Christianity  ?  Surely  obedience,  which  is  so  enforced  by 
Friends,  does  not  lessen  but  increase  our  faith  in  the  re- 
deeming power  of  Christ.  At  those  times  when  we  the 
most  endeavour  to  do  right,  have  we  not  sufficient  proofs 


1812.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  35 

of  our  great  infirmity,  and  of  the  corruptions  of  human 
nature,  to  teach  us  that  of  ourselves  we  are  blind  and 
poor,  and  miserable  and  naked,  until  clothed  with  the 
righteousness  of  Christ  ? 

In  the  Seventh  Month,  1812,  Priscilla  Gurney 
writes  to  her  sister  Fry:  — 

I  could  not  easily  say  how  sweet  and  how  comforting  I 
feel  my  union  with  thee,  perhaps  never  more  so  than  it 
has  been  of  late.  It  is  delightful  to  have  one  sister  with 
whom  I  so  fully  unite.  Many  things  have  interested  me 
much  since  we  parted  (on  returning  home  from  the  Yearly 
Meeting).  I  was  well  repaid  by  attending  the  Essex  and 
Suffolk  Quarterly  Meetings.  It  has  been  a  privilege  in- 
deed to  me  to  have  been  so  much  with  Stephen  Grellet : 
I  think  I  have  hardly  ever  been  so  impressed  by  the  influ- 
ence and  example  of  any  individual  as  by  his.  He  does 
truly  appear  to  be  deeply  experienced  in  the  Christian  life. 
He  paid  us  an  interesting  visit.  I  could  not  help  feeling 
pain  at  parting  with  him ;  but  I  hope  the  good  effect  of 
having  been  with  him  may  be  lasting.  Margaret  Bragg 
and  Sarah  Hustler's  visit  to  Norwich  has  also  been  par- 
ticularly acceptable.  I  have  felt  very  much  united  to 
them :  their  meeting  with  us  was  truly  sweet ;  we  all  felt 
it  to  be  so ;  evincing  so  much  love  and  sympathy,  and 
entering  with  so  much  tenderness  and  consideration  into 
our  present  situation.  They  and  dear  Catherine  have  felt 
very  affectionately  towards  each  other.  Joseph  and  I  were, 
at  different  times,  a  good  deal  with  them,  which  we  much 
enjoyed.  It  is  often  very  striking  to  me  to  be  so  much 
alone,  and  I  cannot  but  feel  the  weight  of  it,  though  it 
does  not  make  me  feel  uncomfortable,  and  I  truly  desire  it 
may  be  a  means  of  drawing  me  more  closely  to  Him,  who 


36  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  [1812. 

can  make  a  way  for  us  where  there  seems  no  way,  and 
from  whom,  I  fully  believe,  we  receive  all-sufficient  light, 
strength,  and  comfort,  even  when  external  means  of  help 
are  withdrawn  from  us.  I  do  indeed  feel  the  necessity  of 
cleaving  to  the  Divine  principle  within  us ;  for  how  little 
are  we  fitted  to  choose  a  way  for  ourselves,  or  to  be  our 
own  directors  !  Those  words  of  our  Saviour  have  lately 
been  an  encouragement  to  me ;  when  Peter  said  to  Him, 
"And  what  shall  this  man  do  ?"  Jesus  saith  to  him,  "  If 
I  will  that  he  tarry  till  I  come,  what  is  that  to  thee  ? 
Follow  thou  me."  This  appears  to  be  our  individual  con- 
cern, and  I  do  at  times  long  to  do  this  with  more  faith  and 
simplicity,  and  with  a  more  devoted  heart.  I  have  felt 
much  encouraged  about  dear  Joseph ;  his  conduct  is  truly 
exemplary,  he  seems  to  be  more  established,  and  we  have 
all  felt  him  to  be  a  strength  and  comfort  to  us.  It  has 
been  very  satisfactory  to  have  dear  John  taking  his  place 
amongst  us  ;  yet  it  has  brought  home,  rather  forcibly,  that 
our  sentiments  and  views  do  not  accord  with  his,  and  this, 
now  that  we  have  each  to  act  for  ourselves,  calls  for  the 
exercise  of  mutual  forbearance,  patience,  and  the  subjec- 
tion of  our  own  wills. 

The  beloved  brother  to  whom  reference  is  made 
in  the  last  portion  of  this  extract,  was  now  becom- 
ing an  object  of  tender  and  anxious  solicitude  to 
his  sister  Priscilla,  who  observed  a  visible,  though 
very  gradual,  decay  of  his  physical  strength.  He 
had  never  surmounted  the  shock  which  his  nerves 
had  sustained  from  the  death  of  his  lovely  wife; 
and,  for  many  months,  his  affectionate  family 
watched  his  declining  health  with  serious  appre- 


1813.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  37 

hension  of  the  probable  result.  Priscilla's  atten- 
tions to  him  were  seldom  remitted.  She,  however, 
left  home  for  a  short  time  in  1813,  for  the  purpose 
of  visiting  her  beloved  cousins  at  Darlington,  taking 
the  opportunity  of  spending  a  little  time  at  Ack- 
worth,  where  her  constant  interest  in  the  welfare 
of  youth  led  her  to  feel  a  peculiar  pleasure  in  wit- 
nessing the  education  of  the  children,  and  an 
earnest  desire  that  they  might  receive  solid  and 
scriptural  instruction  in  the  great  truths  of  revealed 
religion. 

About  this  time  she  first  spoke  in  the  religious 
meetings  of  Friends.  She  was  greatly  abased  under 
a  conviction  of  the  solemnity  of  this  most  weighty 
engagement.  In  a  letter  to  a  serious  person  of  her 
acquaintance,  she  says,  (in  referring  to  a  judicious 
remark  which  he  had  made  to  her  upon  the  subject 
of  the  ministry,)  "  I  trust  thou  wilt  still  continue 
to  feel  a  care  over  me,  and  mayst  thou  be  enabled 
to  desire  my  preservation  from  the  dangers  and 
temptations  which  may  attend  me  in  this  awful 
service;  and  that  I  only  may  continue  in  it  if  it  be 
really  according  to  the  will  of  my  Lord  and  Master, 
whom  I  desire  to  serve;  deeply  sensible,  as  I  am, 
that  He  alone  is  sufficient  to  direct  and  uphold  me, 
and  to  give  me  strength  and  ability  to  perform  his 
will." 

Of  her  offerings  in  the  ministry,  the  members 
of  her  own  Monthly  Meeting,  in  their  testimony 
respecting  her,  give  the  following  .account:  — 
4 


38  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  [1813. 

Her  preaching  was  clear,  sound  and  convincing ;  well 
adapted,  we  believe,  to  the  states  of  her  hearers,  and  ac- 
companied with  "  the  demonstration  of  the  Spirit  and  of 
power;"  and  it  was  the  more  edifying  because  she  was  so 
generally  led  to  insist  on  the  most  important  doctrines  of 
the  Christian  religion,  especially  on  the  influence  of  the 
Holy  Spirit,  and  on  the  promise  of  salvation  through  faith 
in  Christ,  the  Mediator  with  the  Father,  and  the  Re- 
deemer of  the  world.  She  was  also  frequently  clothed, 
both  in  public  and  in  private,  with  the  spirit  of  supplica- 
tion ;  and  her  prayers,  being  offered  up  in  great  abase- 
ment of  mind,  were  attended  with  precious  solemnity. 

The  impression  which  was  made  by  her  minis- 
trations, on  the  minds  of  general  hearers,  was  very 
strong,  as  may  be  perceived  by  the  following 
remarks  from  the  pen  of  the  late  Sir  T.  P.  Buxton. 
After  describing  the  loveliness  of  her  person  and 
manners,  he  adds  :  — 

No  less  remarkable  were  the  powers  of  her  mind.  I 
have  seldom  known  a  person  of  such  sterling  ability ;  and 
it  is  impossible  to  mention  these  mental  powers  without 
adverting  to  that  great,  and  in  my  estimation,  that  aston- 
ishing display  of  them,  which  was  afforded  by  her  ministry. 
I  have  listened  to  many  eminent  preachers,  and  many 
speakers  also,  but  I  deem  her  as  perfect  a  speaker  as  I 
ever  heard.  The  tone  of  her  voice,  her  beauty,  the 
singular  clearness  of  her  conceptions,  and,  above  all,  her 
own  strong  conviction  that  she  was  urging  the  truth,  and 
truth  of  the  utmost  importance  —  the  whole  constituted  a 
species  of  ministry  which  no  one  could  hear,  and  which  I 
am  persuaded  no  one  ever  did  hear,  without  a  deep  im- 
pression. 


1813.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNEY.  39 

Before  the  winter  of  1813  set  in,  Priscilla 
Gurney  accompanied  her  brother  John  to  Clifton, 
where  they  remained  until  the  return  of  mild  and 
genial  weather:  but  the  hope  which  had  been  en- 
tertained, that  a  residence  there  might  tend  to 
restore  his  health,  was  disappointed ;  and  he  con- 
tinued to  sink  until  the  Ninth  Month,  1814,  when, 
in  much  peace,  his  spirit,  which  had,  in  the  sim- 
plicity of  a  little  child,  yielded  itself  to  the  visita- 
tions of  heavenly  love,  departed  from  its  enfeebled 
tenement,  to  enter,  as  there  was  good  ground  to 
believe,  into  one  of  the  many  mansions  of  the 
"  Father's  house."  Priscilla  Gurney  had  commenced 
the  practice  of  making  entries  (by  way  of  journal.) 
of  her  experiences  and  impressions.  In  reference 
to  this  deceased  brother,  she  says:  — 

In  watching  the  progress  of  dear  John's  complaints,  a 
few  things  have  particularly  impressed  me,  with  respect  to 
ourselves  and  others  who  have  been  interested  for  him. 
First,  the  importance  of  making  a  right  use  of  all  the 
talents  committed  to  our  charge  as  long  as  they  are  con- 
tinued to  us,  that  when  our  Lord  and  Master  calleth  for 
all,  or  any  of  them,  we  may  be  prepared  to  give  an  account 
thereof,  that  we  may  obtain  the  blessing  promised  by  our 
Saviour  to  the  faithful :  "Well  done  good  and  faithful  ser- 
vant," &c.  Secondly,  the  importance  of  working  while  it 
is  day,  of  doing  that  work  which  the  Lord  hath  appointed 
for  each  of  us  to  do,  because  we  see  the  night  cometh 
quickly,  when  no  man  can  work.  Thirdly,  the  importance 
of  cultivating  good  habits  in  the  time  of  health  and 
strength,  such  as  patience,  the  subjection  of  our  will  and 


40  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  [1818. 

temper,  temperance,  and  those  habits  which  belong  more 
immediately  to  the  outward  conduct  of  life,  as  the  regula- 
tion and  employment  of  time,  our  deportment  towards 
others,  propriety  and  caution  in  all  our  words  and  actions. 
In  our  attendance  on  dear  John,  during  this  .illness,  we 
have  had  to  feel  the  inestimable  advantages  of  every  good 
habit  acquired  in  the  time  of  health.  We  may  say  that 
with  Mm  these  have  been  many,  and  that  the  effects  of 
them  have  been  very  observable  —  consoling  and  encour- 
aging to  those  around  him,  and  to  himself  an  incalculable 
advantage  and  help  under  the  pressure  of  infirmity. 

The  solemn  monition  referred  to  in  the  foregoing 
extract,  "  Work,  while  it  is  day,"  was  specially  ad- 
dressed to  the  mind  of  this  disciple  of  Jesus.  The 
principle  of  piety  —  of  holy  love  to  God  —  which 
from  her  early  youth  had  been  implanted  in  her 
spirit,  had  become  deep  and  strong  :  and  He,  whose 
thoughts  are  not  as  our  thoughts,  nor  his  ways  as 
our  ways,  who  seeth  the  end  from  the  beginning, 
had  apportioned  to  her  brief  hour  of  life  the  work 
which  He  had  appointed  for  her  to  perform ;  and, 
from  one  time  to  another,  He  saw  meet  to  open  in 
her  soul  the  spring  of  gospel  ministry ;  and  He 
graciously  prepared  and  smoothed  the  channels 
through  which  its  living  streams  should  flow,  for 
the  refreshment  of  many  a  faint  and  weary  pilgrim 
in  the  pathway  to  the  Heavenly  Jerusalem.  For 
more  than  a  year  previous  to  her  brother  John's 
decease,  she  had  occasionally  given  utterance  to 
the  feelings  of  fervent  solicitude  for  the  spiritual 


1813.]  MEMOIR   OF    PRISCILLA   GURNET.  41 

well-being  of  those  amongst  whom  her  lot  was  cast. 
She  was  humbled  as  in  the  dust  before  her  God, 
and  in  awful  reverence  she  entered  on  this  most 
solemn  but  blessed  service.  In  allusion  to  it  she 
writes : — 

Though,  in  the  having  to  minister  to  others,  and  in 
having  publicly  and  before  others  to  call  upon  the  name 
of  the  Lord,  I  have  had  to  experience  many  fears  and 
doubts,  have  known  many  humbling  and  low  times,  yet  I 
esteem  it  an  inestimable  privilege  to  be  in  any  way  engaged 
in  the  service  of  the  Lord ;  and  as  I  have  found  and  ex- 
perienced it  to  be  a  means  of  drawing  me  nearer  to  him- 
self, of  opening  to  my  mind  the  truth,  the  reality,  and 
the  blessedness  of  religion,  I  may  well  reckon  it  one  of 
the  greatest  blessings  of  my  life,  one  that  has  been  well 
worth  suffering  for.  It  is  an  engagement  that  particularly 
calls  for  the  subjection  of  the  will,  to  sit  as  at  the  feet  of 
Jesus,  to  hear  his  word ;  but,  indeed,  this  is  a  most  desi- 
rable attainment,  whatever  be  our  situation  or  calling 
temporally  and  spiritually.  I  am  increasingly  persuaded 
that  the  Spirit  is,  through  infinite  mercy,  manifested  in 
our  hearts,  and  the  more  we  follow  it  in  faith  and  simpli- 
city, the  more  we  know  of  its  excellence  and  beauty,  and 
we  experience  that  it  is  the  power  within  us  which  over- 
comes sin  and  the  power  of  the  world. 

Of  the  cJtaracter  of  her  ministry,  Joseph  John 
Gurney  writes  in  his  autobiography  :  — 

Of  all  the  ministry  I  was  accustomed  to  hear,  none  was, 
perhaps,  so  beneficial  to  me  as  that  of  my  beloved  sister 
Priscilla.  It  was  generally  in  good  authority,  well  ex- 


42  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNEY.  [1814. 

pressed,  lucid  and  scriptural,  and  to  me  rendered  much 
the  more  effectual  by  her  life  and  conversation,  which 
afforded  me  a  pattern  of  no  mean  value.  The  language 
of  her  whole  conduct  to  her  younger  brother  in  the  truth, 
was,  "Follow  me  as  I  follow  Christ." 

On  the  18th  of  Ninth  Month,  1813,  the  follow- 
ing is  entered  in  her  Journal : — 

On  this  day  last  year  I  first  opened  my  mouth  in  the 
ministry.  Surely,  in  reviewing  the  past,  I  can  make  this 
acknowledgment  with  Job  Scott :  "  Lord,  thou  hast  held 
my  hand  and  covered  my  head  in  many  battles."  Grant, 
I  beseech  thee,  a  continuance  of  thy  preserving  care  and 
tender  mercy  over  me,  and  such  a  renewal  of  thy  strength 
and  of  thy  grace,  that  I  may  be  enabled  in  this  mysterious 
and  awful  engagement  to  "  walk  by  faith  and  not  by 
sight,"  that  I  may  run  and  not  be  weary,  and  walk  and 
not  faint ;  for  without  thee,  0  Lord,  I  can  do  nothing. 

Ninth  Month  22nd,  1813. —  Oh,  for  a  closer  walk  with 
God  !  It  is  sometimes  my  desire  to  walk  humbly  with  my 
God ;  but,  alas  !  He  only  knows  my  wanderings,  my  re- 
luctance to  serve  him  with  full  purpose  of  heart,  and  to 
"  commit  the  keeping  of  my  soul  to  him  as  unto  a  faithful 
Creator."  Nevertheless,  I  am  persuaded  that  practical 
religion  chiefly  consists  in  the  subjection  of  our  own  will, 
and  in  submission  to  the  will  of  God:  —  enable  me,  0 
Lord,  to  pray  that  thy  will  and  not  mine  may  be  done. 

Eleventh  Month,  1814.  —  In  reviewing  the  last  year  of 
my  life,  a  period  which  has  been  important,  and  in  some 
respects  deeply  interesting  to  me,  I  have  thought  that  the 
language  comes  home  to  my  experience :  "  My  soul  doth 
magnify  the  Lord,  and  my  spirit  doth  rejoice  in  God  my 


1814.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  43 

Saviour."  At  least  there  have  been  seasons,  when  I  have 
seen  what  abundant  cause  we  have  for  the  abasement  of 
self,  to  magnify  the  Lord ;  though  I  have  often  had  to 
pass  as  through  the  deeps,  though  I  have  often  greatly 
feared  through  the  weakness  of  faith,  though  I  know  that 
I  have  inexpressible  cause  for  repentance  and  humiliation 
before  my  God,  yet  I  may  acknowledge  that  there  have 
been  times  when  my  spirit  hath  rejoiced  in  God  my  Sa- 
viour. The  glory,  the  beauty,  the  excellency  of  his  salva- 
tion, through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  have  been  increasingly 
opened  before  me :  I  have  seen  more  clearly  that  Christ 
is  God  our  Saviour,  and  I  have  believed  that  to  know  ex- 
perimentally the  only  true  God,  and  Jesus  Christ  whom 
He  hath  sent,  is  life  eternal,  and  that  this  knowledge  is  a 
joy  unspeakable  and  full  of  glory.  Utterly  unworthy  as 
I  am,  I  have  been  permitted  to  hold  communion  with  my 
Saviour,  and  through  Him  to  draw  near  unto  my  God.  I 
have  known  what  it  is,  not  only  to  sit  at  his  feet,  but  to 
hear  his  word,  and  that  word  has  spoken  life  and  peace  to 
my  soul.  Under  the  burden  of  sin  and  the  weight  of 
many  infirmities,  my  spirit  has  often  been  comforted  in 
believing  that  Christ,  who  has  borne  our  infirmities  and 
carried  our  sorrows,  who  was  tempted  like  as  we  are,  yet 
without  sin,  is  our  High  Priest  in  heaven ;  that  he  ever 
liveth  to  make  intercession  for  us,  and  is  the  propitiation 
for  our  sins.  "  Lord,  I  have  heard  of  thee  by  the  hearing 
of  the  ear,  but  now  mine  eye  hath  seen  thee,  therefore  do 
I  desire  to  abhor  myself,  and  repent  in  dust  and  ashes." 
For  I  have  assuredly  felt,  that,  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord,  there  is  forgiveness  with  thee,  that  thou  mayest  be 
feared,  under  the  apprehension  of  death  and  present  suf- 
fering. I  have  often  been  comforted  in  the  hope,  that  a 
new  and  living  way  has  been  opened  for  me  into  the  king- 


4i  MEMOIR   OF    PRISCILLA   GURNEY.  [1814. 

dom  of  heaven,  into  a  state  of  everlasting  peace  and  rest. 
The  Lord  has  been  mercifully  pleased  to  "  anoint  my  eyes 
with  eye-salve,"  so  that  I  have  seen  at  times,  though  it  may 
be  very  dimly,  that  Christ  is  the  Way,  the  Truth,  and  the 
Life,  that  he  is  the  chiefest  amongst  ten  thousand  ;  and 
how  do  I  desire  that  he  may  be,  now  and  evermore,  the 
beloved  of  my  soul.  I  humbly  hope  that  I  know  him  better 
than  I  did  a  year  ago  in  his  various  characters.  First,  as 
our  Physician,  as  having  all-sufficient  power  to  heal  the  sick 
and  to  cure  all  manner  of  diseases ;  as  having  power  to 
make  us  clean,  to  bind  up  the  broken-hearted,  to  give  light 
to  the  blind,  hearing  to  the  deaf,  as  making  the  lame  to 
walk.  0  Lord,  let  me  not  blindly  feel  myself  as  amongst 
the  whole,  but,  as  I  am  truly,  amongst  the  sick  who  need 
the  healing  power  of  this  great  Physician.  Enable  me, 
gracious  Father,  to  come  unto  him  with  faith,  that  I  may 
be  healed,  that  I  may  be  cured  of  every  disease  spiri- 
tually ;  may  the  Sun  of  Righteousness  arise  continually 
in  my  soul  with  healing  in  his  wings.  Secondly,  as  our 
Shepherd,  the  good  Shepherd  who  gave  his  life  for  the 
sheep,  by  whose  care  we  want  nothing ;  who  maketh  us  to 
lie  down  in  green  pastures  ;  who  leadeth  us  beside  the  still 
waters,  even  the  everlasting  fountains  of  life  ;  who  restoreth 
our  souls  ;  who  leadeth  us  into  the  paths  of  righteousness 
for  his  name's  sake ;  who,  though  we  walk  through  the 
valley  of  the  shadow  of  death,  yet  preventeth  all  fear  of 
evil,  because  He  is  with  us,  because  his  rod  and  his  staff 
continually  comfort  us.  O  Lord,  grant,  I  humbly  pray 
thee,  that  Jesus  Christ,  thy  beloved  Son,  may  be  my  Shep- 
herd, leading  me  whilst  here  in  the  paths  of  righteousness 
for  his  name's  sake,  and  through  the  valley  of  the  shadow 
of  death  unto  thine  everlasting  kingdom.  Suffer  me  not 
to  wander  from  the  paths  and  from  the  guidance  of  the 


1815.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  45 

heavenly  Shepherd,  lest  I  should  become  a  prey  to  the 
ravenous  wolves,  to  our  devouring  adversary.  Keep  me 
where  thou  makest  thy  flocks  to  rest  at  noon,  that  I  may 
be  one  amongst  the  little  flock  of  Christ  to  whom  thou  hast 
promised  to  give  thy  kingdom.  Thirdly,  our  Example. 
His  life  should  be  our  pattern  —  as  it  concerns  our  God, 
our  neighbour,  and  ourselves.  Like  our  blessed  Lord,  we 
should  humbly  and  earnestly  endeavour  to  glorify  God 
upon  the  earth,  and  to  accomplish  the  work  which  he  hath 
given  each  of  us  to  do.  As  He  went  about  doing  good,  so 
our  lives  should  be  devoted  to  doing  good  for  others ;  and 
in  relieving,  according  to  our  ability,  the  temporal  and 
spiritual  wants  of  our  neighbours.  "  If  I,  then,  your  Lord 
and  Master,  have  washed  your  feet,  ye  ought  also  to  wash 
one  another's  feet."  We  should  learn  of  Christ  to  be 
meek  and  lowly  of  heart,  humble  in  prosperity,  patient  in 
adversity ;  for  He  suffered  for  us,  leaving  us  an  example 
that  we  should  follow  his  steps :  when  reviled  or  perse- 
cuted, let  us  not  revile  again ;  when  oppressed  or  afflicted, 
let  us  not  open  our  mouths  to  murmur.  May  I  not,  for 
the  remainder  of  my  life,  look  so  much  to  my  fellow- 
creatures  for  an  example,  but  unto  Christ,  who  was  a  per- 
fect pattern  in  his  life  and  conversation,  looking  stedfastly 
unto  Christ,  by  whom  alone  we  can  draw  nigh  unto  thee, 
who  art  our  Heavenly  Father,  the  Lord  Almighty  God, 
and  the  King  of  Saints :  may  I  be  enabled  to  love  thee 
more  and  more  with  all  my  heart,  and  my  neighbour  as 
myself;  may  I  learn  much  more  than  I  have  yet  learned, 
through  the  assistance  of  thy  Holy  Spirit,  to  be  like  my 
blessed  Redeemer,  meek  and  lowly  in  heart,  humble  and 
thankful  in  prosperity,  patient  in  every  tribulation  :  may 
I  learn  to  suffer  more  willingly  with  Christ ;  so  that  when 
time  to  me  here  shall  be  no  more,  I  may  humbly  hope 


46  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA  GURNET.  [1815. 

that,  through  his  merits,  through  thy  tender  mercy  and 
unmerited  loving-kindness,  I  may  come  to  reign  with  him 
in  glory  for  ever." 

In  the  First  Month,  1815,  she  visited  the  fami- 
lies of  Friends  of  Norwich  Meeting,  her  uncle  and 
aunt  Joseph  and  Jane  Gurney  being  her  compa- 
nions; and  her  sympathy  was  shortly  afterwards 
painfully  excited  on  behalf  of  these  dear  relatives 
in  the  illness  and  death  of  their  son  Henry:  — 

On  Sixth-day,  Second  Month  10^,  1815,  we  received 
the  intelligence  that  they  were  in  much  distress  at  the 
Grove,  dear  H.  having  been  extremely  ill  in  the  night, 
which  having  ended  in  a  fit  of  apoplexy,  they  could  not 
expect  him  to  survive  long.  Joseph  and  I  immediately 
went  to  the  Grove,  and  soon  joined  them  in  the  room 
where  dear  H.  was  lying  on  the  point  of  death.  The 
scene  was  awful  and  deeply  affecting.  My  beloved  uncle 
and  aunt  were  sitting  over  him,  much  distressed  and  bowed 
down  under  the  heavy  and  unexpected  stroke.  We  sat  in 
solemn  silence ;  but,  as  our  beloved  cousin  seemed  on  the 
point  of  departing  out  of  this  world,  I  could  not  forbear 
from  supplicating  that  the  Lord  Jesus  would,  in  that  awful 
hour,  come  quickly  —  that  the  Lord,  in  taking  him  hence, 
would  be  mercifully  and  graciously  pleased  to  take  him  to 
himself  into  his  everlasting  kingdom,  "  where  the  wicked 
cease  from  troubling,  and  the  weary  are  at  rest."  We 
seemed  also  called  upon  to  render  thanksgiving  unto  Him 
who  had  preserved  this  beloved  child  from  the  evils  and 
pollutions  of  this  world,  and  humbly  to  pray  that  every 
transgression  might  be  blotted  out  and  every  sin  covered  — 
that  he  might  be  clothed  with  the  garments  of  righteous- 


1815.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  47 

ness  —  that  he  might  be  admitted  into  the  presence  of  the 
Almighty  —  that  the  Lamb  might  lead  him  unto  living 
fountains  of  water. 

He  quietly  departed  on  the  day  of  this  inter- 
view. Priscilla  Gurney  remained  for  a  time  with 
the  bereaved  parents ;  and  on  Second  Month  20th, 
she  writes :  — 

I  have  been  staying  here  since  the  event  happened,  and 
I  have  felt  it  quite  a  privilege  to  be  with  them.  The  true 
and  Christian  resignation  with  which  my  beloved  uncle 
and  aunt  have  been  able  to  meet  this  close  trial,  has  been 
encouraging  and  strengthening  to  those  about  them :  to 
the  feelings  of  nature  it  is  indeed  a  bitter  cup,  but  my 
hope  and  belief  is,  that  it  may  be  sanctified  to  them  all. 
What  an  inexpressible  blessing  it  is  to  see  those  we  love 
fortified  by  faith  and  submission  at  such  a  time  as  this  !  I 
have  seldom  felt  it  more  than  on  this  occasion.  How  very 
solemn  are  these  repeated  warnings  to  those  who  remain  ! 
Surely,  we  have  had  to  experience,  within  the  last  few 
years,  that  in  the  midst  of  life  we  are  in  death.  There  is 
hardly  anything  to  me  more  overwhelming  in  these  events, 
than  the  loud  call  to  us  who  remain  to  watch  and  be  sober : 
it  is  easier  to  say  they  are  warnings,  than  to  listen  to  and 
obey  the  warning  voice. 

How  have  I  longed  during  this  time,  and  from  our  late 
experience,  that  our  hearts  might  be  more  and  more 
weaned  from  the  world,  and  that  our  conversation  might 
be  more  in  heaven  !  where  indeed  we  seem  to  have  much 
treasure.  This  is  my  feeling  about  those  who  have  gone 
before  us,  who  have  escaped  from  the  troubles  and  conflicts 
of  this  life,  and  are  anchored  on  the  Rock  of  Ages,  in  a 


48  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  [1815. 

state  of  everlasting  rest  and  peace.  I  sometimes  think, 
if,  through  a  grain  of  faith,  we  are  permitted  now  and 
then  to  have  a  glimpse  of  this  eternal  state,  it  compen- 
sates for  all  our  troubles  and  conflicts  here.  I  do  not  at 
all  approve  of  taking  a  gloomy  view  of  life,  where  we 
have  so  much  to  make  us  thankful  and  happy,  at  least 
with  a  better  hope  beyond  it ;  and  with  such  a  hope,  how 
can  we  be  thankful  enough  for  the  unmerited  and  mar- 
vellous blessings  bestowed  upon  us  ? 


TO   HER   SISTER,    ELIZABETH   GURNET. 

Earlham,  Fourth  Month  9th,  1815. 

You  have  been  brought  very  near  to  me  of  late.  I 
have  renewedly  longed  for  you,  unitedly  and  separately, 
that  you  may  increasingly  surrender  yourselves  to  the 
service  of  our  blessed  Master.  I  have  thought  that  the 
sacrifices  which  have  been,  and  may  yet  be  required  of 
you,  may  be  in  some  of  the  little  things  (at  least  what  may 
be  termed  little  by  others) ;  but  I  am  increasingly  per- 
suaded that  some  of  these  little  things  are  often  our 
stumbling-blocks,  and  also,  that  nothing  is  little  which 
promotes  our  own  spiritual  advancement,  or  serves  that 
most  holy  cause,  which  I  humbly  trust  we  have  in  some 
measure  at  heart.  May  you  both,  under  a  sense  of  the 
manifold  benefits  and  mercies  bestowed  upon  you,  be  more 
and  more  willing  to  surrender  whatever  may  be  called  for 
at  your  hands  !  I  believe  thou  art  hardly  aware,  my  be- 
loved Elizabeth,  how,  inasmuch  as  thou  hast  been  faithful 
to  the  Cross,  thou  hast  been  a  strength  and  a  comfort  to 
me.  Many  and  many  a  time  have  I  secretly  felt  the  influ- 
ence of  it ;  and  a  renewed  and  earnest  desire  has  of  late 
attended  me,  that  thou  mayest  be  encouraged,  not  only  to 


1816.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  49 

be  an  helpmate  to  thy  dear  husband,  but  more  and  more 
of  a  true  and  faithful  and  self-denying  labourer  in  the 
vineyard. 

Early  in  1815,  Priscilla  Gurney  was  engaged  in 
the  very  weighty  service  of  paying  a  religious  visit 
to  the  families  of  Friends  throughout  the  limits  of 
her  own  Quarterly  Meeting.  She  was  accompanied 
by  her  beloved  cousin  Anna  Buxton,  who,  like 
herself,  had  been  enabled,  by  yielding  to  the  con- 
straining love  of  Christ,  to  forsake  all  that,  to  the 
human  soul  unregenerated  by  the  Spirit  of  Truth, 
appears  to  promise  a  life  of  pleasure  and  self-in- 
dulgence. These  two  devoted  messengers  of  the 
gospel  were  closely  cemented  in  the  fellowship  and 
communion  of  their  Redeemer;  and  there  were 
not  a  few,  who,  by  their  Christian  labours  and 
pious  example,  were  stimulated  and  encouraged  to 
take  the  Saviour's  yoke  upon  them,  and  humbly 
to  learn  of  Him  who  was  "  meek  and  lowly  in 
heart."  After  the  accomplishment  of  this  important 
visit,  Priscilla  Gurney  was,  during  most  of  the  re- 
maining months  of  the  year,  and  also  for  several 
of  those  in  the  spring  of  1816,  permitted  to  re- 
main at  her  comfortable  home,  and  to  pursue,  in 
comparative  retirement,  those  occupations  which 
remarkably  promoted  the  welfare  of  the  sur- 
rounding district.  Her  beloved  sister  Richenda 
had  married  Francis  Cunningham ;  and,  referring 
to  this  circumstance,  she  writes,  Second  Month 
26th,  1816:  — 
5 


50  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  [1816. 

I  have  of  late  felt  much  bound  to  home,  and  it  is  very 
comfortable  not  to  have  any  particular  call  from  it.  It 
is  rather  remarkable  to  feel  my  own  allotment  so  very 
different  from  that  of  my  three  sisters,*  with  whom  I  was 
brought  up  in  the  closest  union ;  my  religious  path  so 
distinct  from  theirs,  and  prospects  in  life  so  different. 
How  these  things  are  we  know  not.  His  ways  are  not  as  our 
ways  ....  I  confess  that,  since  Richenda  went,  I 

*/ 

have  sometimes  felt  a  little  lonely  and  solitary  in  my  path ; 
but  I  earnestly  desire  to  be  thankful  for  the  many  bless- 
ings which  are  bestowed  upon  me.  How  comforting  it  is 
sometimes  really  to  believe  that,  whatever  be  our  allot- 
ment, whether  we  rejoice  or  whether  we  mourn,  however 
varied  may  appear  our  portion  here,  yet  that  every  dis- 
pensation is  sent  in  wisdom  and  mercy,  and  that  each  has 
that  which  is  best  for  us.  I  do  so  desire  to  rest  in  this 
belief,  and  in  whatever  state  I  am  therewith  to  be  content. 

To  another  friend  she  addressed  the  following, 
dated  Fourth  Month  4th  :- 

I  have  longed  to  tell  thee,  during  the  last  few  weeks, 
how  sweetly  in  my  inmost  heart  my  love  has  flowed  to- 
wards thee,  indeed  towards  all  your  beloved  circle,  though 
under  an  inexpressible  sense  of  my  own  weakness  and 
nothingness,  which  has  been  especially  brought  home  to 
me  of  late ;  yet  I  can  desire  for  others  that  they  may  go 
on  from  strength  to  strength,  and  come  forth  valiantly  for 
the  cause  of  truth  amongst  and  before  others :  this  is  the 
prayer  of  my  heart  for  you,  that  whilst  health  and  strength 

*  Hannah  having  several  years  earlier  been  married  to  T.  F. 
Buxton,  and  Louisa  to  Samuel  Hoare. 


1816.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA    GURNET.  51 

and  life  are  granted  you,  you  may  dedicate  these  talents 
to  the  service  of  your  blessed  Master  —  that  you  may  not 
limit  the  power  of  the  Lord,  saying  in  your  hearts,  "  Thus 
far  will  we  go  and  no  farther." 

Some  important  family  claims  required  Priscilla 
Gurney's  attention  during  the  time  of  the  Yearly 
Meeting  of  1816.  She  felt  the  privation,  conse- 
quent on  being  necessarily  absent  from  it,  to  be  no 
small  trial ;  but,  with  the  spirit  of  cheerful  acqui- 
escence with  every  circumstance  permitted  or  dis- 
pensed by  the  providence  of  her  heavenly  Father, 
which  so  uniformly  prevailed  in  her  heart,  she  was 
perfectly  willing  to  forego  the  enjoyment  of  a 
privilege  which  she  greatly  valued.  She  says  :  — 

It  has  been  quite  a  sacrifice  to  me  to  give  up  the  Yearly 
Meeting.  I  had  longed  for  such  a  refreshment,  and  to  be 
a  little  more  amongst  Friends,  as  we  have  not  much  of 
this  kind  of  help  in  our  situation  here :  but  I  do  not 
doubt  it  is  for  our  benefit  to  be,  for  a  time,  deprived  of 
much  outward  help  and  consolation.  This  has  been  re- 
markably my  case  for  many  months  past.  My  dear  uncle 
and  aunt's  long  absence  from  home  has  been  one  thing 
that  has  given  this  feeling :  but  I  am  sure  that  these 
things  are  ordered  in  wisdom  and  mercy,  and  ought  to 
lead  us,  with  more  faith,  trust  and  dependence,  to  the 
Source  of  all  good. 

As  the  autumn  approached,  it  brought  with  it, 
to  some  of  her  near  connexions,  accumulated  solici- 
tudes and  sorrows.  Her  uncle  Joseph's  family  had, 
as  we  have  seen  in  the  record  of  the  previous  year, 


52  MEMOIR   OF   PKISCILLA  GURNET.  [1816. 

been  suddenly  bereft  of  a  young  and  interesting 
member :  this  heavy  affliction  was  quickly  followed 
by  another,  not  less  deeply  felt,  and  attended  by 
circumstances  of  peculiar  trial.  Their  daughter 
Rachel  was  seriously  affected  by  symptoms  of  pul- 
monary disorder;  and,  by  the  urgent  advice  of 
some  attendant  physicians,  it  was  concluded  that 
she  should  pass  the  ensuing  winter  in  the  milder 
climate  of  Savoy.  Some  painful  anxieties  respect- 
ing others  of  their  beloved  circle  prevented  Joseph 
and  Jane  Gurney  from  accompanying  their  dear 
child  to  a  foreign  land ;  and  they  confided  this  im- 
portant charge  to  their  affectionate  niece,  of  whose 
skilful  and  assiduous  attentions  to  such  as  were 
sinking  under  disease  they  had  repeatedly  had 
ample  proof.  Priscilla  Gurney  felt  weightily  the 
responsible  undertaking;  but  meekly  surrendered 
herself  to  perform  the  arduous  duties  which  it  in- 
volved. Her  tenderly  sympathising,  yet  lively 
spirit,  her  deep  and  solid  piety,  her  constant  faith 
and  trust,  rendered  her  a  most  valuable  companion 
to  the  sick  and  to  the  mourner,  particularly  to 
those  in  early  life,  whose  future  appeared  to  be  no 
longer  irradiated  by  the  sunshine  of  youthful  anti- 
cipations. Barely  could  one  be  found  whose  expe- 
rience could  better  qualify  to  administer  to  the 
failing  tabernacle ;  or,  in  seasons  of  extreme  weak- 
ness and  discouragement,  when  the  spirit  might 
sink  at  the  prospect  of  the  awful  gloom  that  enve- 
loped the  dark  "valley  of  the  shadow  of  death," 


1816.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  53 

few  could  be  more  prepared  to  point  the  sufferer  to 
those  rays  of  "  the  Sun  of  Righteousness"  which 
illumine  the  Christian's  pathway  to  the  tomb.  The 
invalid  was  also  accompanied  by  her  sister  Jane. 
This  little,  but  very  interesting  party,  commenced 
their  journey  on  the  27th  of  Ninth  Month,  at 
which  date  Priscilla  writes  :  — 

Our  parting  at  Earlham  was  under  a  most  sweet  and 
comforting  impression  of  gospel  love.  We  had  a  solemn 
reading.  I  felt  engaged  in  prayer  that  we  might  be  esta- 
blished, strengthened,  and  settled  in  the  Truth  as  it  is  in 
Jesus ;  and  I  was  enabled  to  commend  myself,  and  those 
most  dear  to  me,  as  well  absent  as  present,  to  the  Lord, 
and  to  his  grace  under  every  dispensation.  The  warm  ex- 
pression of  Christian  love,  unity,  and  sympathy,  from  so 
many  of  my  near  and  dear  friends,  was  consolatory  on 
leaving  my  most  beloved  home.  Our  departure  from  the 
Grove  was  very  affecting ;  but  quietness  and  even  peace 
prevailed.  A  low  ride  to  Harleston.  The  feeling  of  most 
tender  love  and  union  of  spirit  with  those  I  had  left 
(united,  I  humbly  trust,  in  Him  who  is  the  Light  of  the 
World,)  was  powerful  through  this  day  and  night. 

29^. — We  began  to  read  with  dear  Rachel,  in  the  car- 
riage, the  Gospel  of  John.  We  had  some  interesting  con- 
versation, in  which  I  fully  expressed  my  desire  that  we 
might  be  unmoved  under  every  dispensation,  having  our 
hearts  withdrawn  from  the  things  of  this  world.  Never 
did  I  much  more  earnestly  desire  that  they  may  be  uplifted 
above  its  cares  and  its  enjoyments,  and  wholly  fixed  on 
our  heavenly  treasure.  I  felt  my  absence  from  my  beloved 
family  this  morning ;  but  was  permitted  to  hold  sweet 
5* 


54  MEMOIR   OF   PIUSCILLA   GURNET.  [1816. 

communion  with  them  in  Him,  and  through  Him,  who  is 
our  advocate  with  the  Fathers 

At  Witham,  one  of  their  resting-places,  she  ad- 
dressed the  following  to  her  beloved  cousin,  Anna 
Buxton,  then  about  to  be  united  in  marriage  with 
William  Forster :  — 

Ninth  Month  80th. — I  helieve  I  shall  be  much  with  you 
in  mind,  and  in  a  little  of  that  spirit  which  we  may  humbly 
hope  still  unites  us  together,  under  the  varied  events  of 
life.  Various  and  unexpected  indeed  they  are,  and  such 
I  must  say  is  my  present  undertaking  to  accompany  dear 
Rachel  on  such  an  expedition  as  this :  I  cannot  but  feel  it 
serious  on  many  accounts.  I  have  deeply  felt  leaving 
home.  I  believe  we  shall  sometimes  have  your  sympathy, 
may  we  not  hope  your  prayers  for  our  preservation. 
Though  the  pain  of  leaving  home  has  been  great,  yet  a 
feeling  of  sweet  peace  has,  I  think,  been  permitted  to  at- 
tend us,  and  I  have  been,  on  the  whole,  quiet  and  com- 
fortable. And  now,  my  beloved  friends,  I  may  from  my 
heart  say,  Farewell.  May  we  more  and  more  seek  that 
Spirit  which  can  enable  us  to  mourn  and  rejoice  together, 
and  which  may  lead  us  continually  to  commend  ourselves 
and  one  another  unto  that  grace  which  can  alone  build  us 
up,  sustain,  and  comfort  us. 

The  travellers  reached  Bury  Hill  on  the  evening 
of  the  last  date.  Here,  another  cousin,  Elizabeth 
Barclay,  whose  health  was  in  a  very  critical  state, 
had  been  directed  by  her  physicians  to  spend  the 
winter  at  Nice.  She  was  accompanied  by  a  brother 
and  sister,  and  by  her  cousin,  A.  R.  Barclay.  Tt 


1816.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  55 

was  arranged  that  the  two  parties  should  proceed 
together.  On  the  1st  of  Tenth  Month,  Priscilla 
Gurney  writes :  — 

It  was  interesting  to  meet  the  party  here.  Joseph  and 
Elizabeth  Fry  came  with  their  bahy  in  the  evening.  E.  F. 
visited  both  our  patients  in  their  different  apartments,  and 
earnestly  supplicated  for  each  of  us :  for  dear  Rachel  — 
that,  whether  her  time  here  might  be  long  or  short,  every 
dispensation  might  tend  to  her  refinement  and  preparation 
for  another  state  of  being — that  she  might  be  increasingly 
established  on  that  rock  against  which  the  gates  of  hell 
can  never  prevail — that,  through  our  Redeemer,  she  might 
obtain  the  victory  over  sin,  death,  and  the  grave.  This 
was  very  solemn.  She  prayed  also  for  dear  Jane's  preser- 
vation and  consolation,  and  for  her  establishment  in  the 
Truth ;  and  for  me,  that  during  our  separation  the  Lord 
might  be  a  shelter  from  the  storm,  a  shadow  from  the  heat, 
when  the  blast  of  the  terrible  one  may  be  as  a  storm  against 
the  wall.  I  believe  our  hearts  were  united  and  refreshed 
together. 

Tenth  Month  3rd.  —  A  little  withdrawing  of  that  holy 
and  heavenly  presence  which  has  mercifully  attended  me, 
was  my  experience  during  this  day ;  I  believe  through  my 
own  unwatchfulness. 

5th. — We  were  anxious  about  dear  Rachel;  she  appeared 
to  me  very  ill.  We  read  together  Cowper's  hymn  on 
prayer,  "Jesus  where'er  thy  people  meet,"  &c.  Oh,  that 
we  may  all  be  delivered  from  temptation,  and  kept  from 
all  evil ! 

First-day,  the  6th.  —  At  Dorking  Meeting.  This  text 
much  impressed  me,  "  Tire  time  is  short,"  &c.,  conveying 
warning  to  the  careless,  and  consolation  to  the  afflicted — 


56  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  [1816. 

on  the  shortness  of  time,  and  preparation  for  an  eternal 
world — on  examining  ourselves,  whether  we  be  in  the  faith 
—  on  that  knowledge  of  God  and  of  Christ  which  is  life 

eternal,  &c In  the  evening  D.  B.  read  John  vi. 

and  Psalm  ciii.  to  the  family  and  servants ;  after  which 
we  had  a  solemn  pause :  I  could  not  separate,  and  indeed 
it  seemed  that  we  could  not  part,  without  supplicating  for 
mercy,  and  the  blessing  of  God  upon  us,  that  He  would 
grant  to  each  of  us  what  we  need  in  things  temporal  and 
spiritual.  We  seemed  afresh  called  upon  to  commend  our 
beloved  patients  to  the  Lord,  that  his  presence  might  be 
with  them,  that  they  might  partake  of  the  bread  of  life, 
and  so  come  unto  Christ  that  they  may  never  hunger,  and 
believe  in  Him  that  they  may  never  thirst. 

7th,  —  Departure  from  Bury  Hill  —  bustling  arrival  at 
Brighton. 

8th. — Very  interesting  and  memorable  departure  in  our 
boat  to  the  packet. 

Before  quitting  the  English  shores  she  addressed 
her  dear  sisters  and  brothers.  She  says:- 

A  hope  prevails  that  I  am  in  the  right  place  —  that  this 
separation  from  many  things  so  dear  to  us  may  be  a  means 
of  establishing  us  more  in  the  knowledge  and  experience 
of  the  blessed  Truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus.  For  myself,  I  think 
I  hardly  ever  was  more  sensible  than  since  I  left  you,  of 
the  breadth  and  length  and  height  and  depth  of  the  love 
of  Christ  that  passeth  knowledge.  Without  some  sense 
of  this  most  precious  knowledge,  my  heart  would  have  sunk 
nioro  in  leaving  you  nil. 

Night  —  on  board  the  packq| —  very  comfortless.  Pa- 
tients and  nurses  all  ill.  Beautiful  morning.  We  brought 
the  invalids  on  to  the  dock.  The  approach  to  the  French 


1816.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  57 

coast  very  interesting.     Landed  at  Dieppe.     Our  patients 
were  carried  into  the  inn  amongst  a  crowd  of  people. 

After  a  short  stay  the  party  proceeded  to  Kouen. 
Stopping  at  a  village  on  their  way,  Priscilla  distri- 
buted a  few  tracts. 

One  little  girl  brought  me  her  father's  Bible,  and  read 
to  me  in  it.  She  said :  "  Voulez-vous  venir  dans  notre 
Jardin  ?"  It  was  a  pretty  scene  —  little  rooms  round  it, 
with  their  beds  —  a  crucifix  in  one  of  them.  Many  of  the 
children  could  read,  but  no  other  Bible  could  I  hear  of. 
Gave  a  Testament  to  the  landlady.  One  man  would  have 
disputed  with  me  for  being  a  Protestant :  "  Oh,  vous  n'etes 
pas  Catholique  —  vous  ne  croyez  pas  a  la  Vierge."  I  could 
not  speak  French  enough  to  justify  my  creed.  Our  two 
maids  had  gone  forward  (to  Rouen)  in  the  diligence.  We 
found  a  comfortable  inn,  and  things  nicely  prepared,  but 
so  different  from  England.  Everybody  full  of  life,  dirty, 
but  obliging.  Pleasing  femme  de  chambre.  —  I  gave  her 
a  tract,  and  she  promised  to  read  it  "  au  dimanche."  Rouen 
is  a  fine  old  city  —  the  Seine,  with  its  numerous  islands, 
and  the  old  city,  a  striking  scene.  I  felt  in  some  degree 
the  emptiness  of  all  worldly  sights. 

12th.  —  Had  enjoyed  some  time  by  myself  the  two  pre- 
ceding evenings,  and  again  felt  the  privilege  of  having 
those  absent  from  me  brought,  in  a  lively  manner,  to  my 
remembrance. 

"  Still  in  spirit  we  may  meet, 
And  in  sweet  communion  join." 

A  fatiguing  day's  journey  to  Verdun.  Stopped  at  Lou- 
vier,  —  an  interesting  time  there  amongst  the  people  — 
gave  some  tracts.  A  lovely  young  woman  entered  into 


58  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  [1816. 

conversation  with  me,  and  expressed  some  serious  feeling ; 
said  very  sweetly,  "  Nous  devons  aimer  1'  Eternel  de  tous 
notre  coeur  —  oui,  de  tous  notre  force." 

Tenth  Month  13^,  First-day. — Went  forward  to  Mantz. 
I  longed  for  the  privileges  of  an  English  "  Sabbath."  The 
people  were  assembling  for  mass ;  but  there  was  not  much 
appearance  of  seriousness.  I  earnestly  desire  that  our 
present  mode  of  life  may  not  scatter  the  seed  of  the  king- 
dom in  our  hearts.  A  very  sweet  reading  in  the  evening. 
I  felt  the  separating  effect  of  worldly  things,  but  was  ena- 
bled to  supplicate  the  Divine  blessing  still  to  rest  upon 
us,  and,  for  our  dear  patients,  that  the  Lord  would  satisfy 
them  with  the  bread  of  life,  and  fill  the  hungry  soul  with 
His  goodness.  A  covering  of  love  seemed  at  last,  at  the 
close  of  the  day,  cast  over  us,  and  we  separated  peacefully. 

UtL  —  To  "St."  Germains. 

15th.  —  To  Paris.  Many  objects  of  interest.  The  house 
of  the  Empress  Josephine,  Malmaison,  water-works  at 
Marli ;  entrance  to  the  city,  grand,  unlike  anything  I  have 
seen  before.  Had  a  comfortable  retirement  by  myself  in 
my  comfortless  little  dressing-room  at  our  hotel. 

19th.  —  Walked  to  the  Agent's  of  the  Bible  Society, — 
agreed  to  communicate,  should  any  opening  occur  where 
we  settle  for  spreading  the  Scriptures.  How  much  I 
desire  that  this  may  be  the  case !  Leo  called  in  the  even- 
ing and  engaged  to  send  us  some  of  his  Testaments.  It 
is  cheering  to  me  to  have  any  prospect  of  a  little  good 
opening  before  us. 

2CM,  First -day.  —  At  home  all  day.  With  our  two 
invalids  had  a  little  reading,  and  quiet  time  together,  which 
was  better  than  nothing.  I  was  much,  in  mind,  with  our 
beloved  friends  in  England ;  and,  under  the  sense  of  our 
privation,  I  thought  of  and  felt  the  words  of  this  Psalm, 


1816.]  MEMOIR   OF    PRISCILLA   GURNET.  59 

— "  Yea,  we  wept  when  we  remembered  Zion.     How  shall 
we  sing  the  Lord's  song  in  a  strange  land?" 

21S£.  —  Preparations  for  leaving  Paris.  We  were  not 
sorry  to  leave  it,  as  it  is  not  calculated  to  make  the 
happiest  impression  on  the  mind.  Many  French  about 
us,  amongst  the  rest  our  mantua-maker,  to  whom  I  gave  a 
Testament,  with  which  she  was  much  delighted,  and  said 
she  should  often  read  it  with  her  little  girl.  Came  forward 
to  Melun.  Dear  Rachel  more  easy  than  usual,  and  we 
enjoyed  our  reading  in  the  Bible  and  the  first  chapter  of 
Baxter's  "  Dying  Thoughts."  Pleasant  evening  at  Ville- 
neuve;  we  read  together  the  "Crook  in  the  Lot."  —  I 
read  hymns  to  dear  Rachel,  &c.,  with  much  comfort,  espe- 
cially this, — "How  are  thy  servants  blest,  0  Lord,"  &c. 

They  reached  Sens  on  the  24th. 

Rachel  very  poorly,  which  rendered  the  ride  hence  to 
Auxerre  a  painful  one ;  but  we  went  on  with  our  reading. 
The  vineyards  on  the  sides  of  the  hills  much  more  luxuri- 
ant than  any  I  had  seen.  Auxerre  is  a  fine  town.  I 
walked  over  the  bridge ;  it  was  a  beautiful  clear  afternoon 
—  enjoyed  the  loveliness  of  the  scene,  the  view  of  the 
town,  the  islands  in  the  river  —  groups  of  figures  coming 
down  the  hill  with  their  baskets  of  grapes. 

21th.  —  Autun.  Another  First-day.  Read  the  Epistle 
to  Titus.  Whilst  thus  separated  from  the  Church,  I  have 
felt  an  earnest  desire  that  we  may  be  increasingly  united 
to  Him  who  is  the  Head  of  the  Church,  and  more  and 
more  know  Him  for  ourselves ;  and  also,  that  whilst  sepa- 
rated in  person  from  those  who  are  the  members  of  the 
Church,  we  may  be  permitted  to  enjoy  spiritual  communion 
and  fellowship  in  Christ.  We  thought  there  was  more 
appearance  of  the  "  Sabbath"  being  kept  here  than  in 


GO  MEMOIR   OF    PRISCILLA   GURNET.  [1816. 

Normandy,  or  near  Paris,  —  more  of  seriousness  among 
the  people.  We  read  this  afternoon,  with  real  comfort,  and 
some  unity  of  spirit,  the  40th  of  Isaiah,  1st  Peter,  and  the 
two  last  chapters  of  the  Revelation ;  and  I  trust  our  hearts 
were  a  little  raised  above  the  cares  and  troubles  of  life. 

28th.  —  The  views  of  Autun  and  the  surrounding 
country,  highly  interesting.  We  think  the  difference  of 
the  climate  begins  to  be  evident. 

29th.  —  Chalon,  not  a  striking  place.  Preparations  for 
our  voyage  down  the  Saone.  Our  patients  were  carried 
through  a  thick  fog  from  the  diligence  into  our  boat.  I 
sat  on  the  deck  and  enjoyed  my  morning's  reading,  though 
a  little  interrupted  by  passengers.  I  have  found  many 
opportunities,  during  this  journey,  for  retreat  and  entire 
inward  retirement,  which  have  been  particularly  comfort- 
able to  me.  As  it  regards  my  service  to  others,  my 
present  life  is  a  humbling  one. 

30th. — This  whole  day  peculiarly  comfortless.  Crowds 
of  low  passengers.  The  country  more  beautiful  —  espe- 
cially near  Lyons,  the  approach  to  which  place  is  very 
striking ;  nor  is  it  less  so  to  one's  mind  to  be  at  a  place  so 
often  read  and  heard  of.  The  air  is  very  warm.  The 
remembrance  of  the  Martyrs  interesting  to  me :  Perpetua 
and  Felicitas,  and  the  history  of  the  Church  at  this  place. 
We  ascended  the  hill  behind  the  Cathedral,  from  whence 
we  had  a  fine  view  of  the  Alps,  which  was  highly  interest- 
ing :  Mount  Blanc,  Mount  Cenis,  &c.  &c. 

31«f. — We  set  off  for  our  second  voyage  in  a  large  boat, 
and  soon  left  the  Saone  for  the  Rhone,  which  is  a  much 
nobler  river,  but  the  water  is  muddy.  We  reached  Vienne, 
where  we  had  but  comfortless  accommodation.  The  cham- 
bermaids zealous  in  our  service :  one  very  lively  girl  waited 
on  us  with  great  alacrity.  I  gave  her  a  Testament. 

Eleventh  Month  2nd. — One  of  the  pleasantest  days  we 


1816.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  61 

have  had  during  our  journey.  The  country  in  parts  was 
highly  beautiful,  the  mountains  clothed  with  vines,  very 
luxuriant.  Our  dinner  was  a  cheerful  one,  in  our  boat. 
Drawing  was  to-day  a  pleasant  occupation  to  us  all.  Eli- 
zabeth and  I  have,  during  these  two  days,  thoroughly  en- 
joyed the  epistles  to  Timothy;  and  I  have  seldom  felt 
more  sensibly  the  superiority  of  spiritual  good  to  every 
other  gratification  whatever:  we  feel  that  the  one  soon 
passes  away,  but  the  other  nourishes  the  soul  to  life  eter- 
nal. We  stopped  in  the  evening  at  Cerier.  Two  little 
girls  in  the  inn,  dressed  like  old  women,  interested  me, 
and  I  promised  them  a  Testament.  Walked  by  the  river 
by  moonlight. 

Eleventh  Month  3rd.  —  I  ran  before  breakfast  to  visit 
the  mother  of  the  two  little  girls  (just  mentioned),  to 
whom  I  gave  the  Testament  with  some  satisfaction,  and  a 
hope  that  a  blessing  might  attend  it  to  these  dear  children. 
We  breakfasted  in  our  boat.  The  wind  being  against  us, 
we  were  obliged  to  stop  at  "  St."  Valiere. 

4th.  —  A  stormy  and  wet  day  —  could  only  proceed  five 
miles.  This  is  a  curious  mode  of  life,  much  like  that  of  a 
company  of  gypsies.  The  scenery  very  fine. 

6th. — Proceeded  to  Valence  and  Bourg  St.  Antoine. 

6th. — A  pouring  wet  morning,  but  we  contrived  to  con- 
vey our  patients  into  our  boat.  We  reached  Avignon,  and 
are  settled  at  the  most  comfortable  inn  we  have  met  with 
in  France. 

1th. — A  satisfactory  parting  with  the  boatmen,  to  whom 
we  gave  a  Bible  and  two  Testaments.  We  had  a  comfort- 
able reading;  after  which,  in  some  conflict  of  mind,  it 
seemed  right  for  me  to  return  thanks  for  the  mercies 
hitherto  granted  us,  and  to  supplicate  that  we  might  yet 
have  the  loving-kindness  of  the  Lord,  and  know  the  way 

6 


62  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  [1816. 

wherein  we  should  walk.  Pauline,  a  sweet  little  girl,  with 
me  in  the  evening. 

Eleventh  Month  8th.  —  Had  some  conversation  with  an 
old  hermit,  who  lived  in  the  mountains  and  occasionally 
comes  into  the  town  to  ask  charity :  an  interesting  figure. 
Visited  a  poor  woman  in  her  cottage  and  heard  with  pain 
of  the  distresses  of  the  poor,  which  I  fear  are  spiritual  as 
well  as  temporal.  Gave  a  Bible  to  the  landlady's  son,  an 
intelligent  young  man,  and  a  Testament  to  Pauline. 

9th. — A  quiet  comfortable  home-day.  We  sat  together 
part  of  the  morning,  reading,  &$.  Walked  out  before 
dinner,  and  we  saw  the  remains  of  the  palace  of  the  Popes. 
The  hall  is  now  converted  into  a  stable  for  a  regiment  of 
soldiers.  The  effect  of  the  desolation,  caused  by  the  re- 
volution, melancholy. 

10f7i,  First-day.  —  I  have  felt  the  want  of  more  retire- 
ment for  the  last  few  days,  from  having  risen  late.  Pau- 
line read  to  me  a  chapter  in  the  Testament,  and  I  ques- 
tioned her  upon  it  with  interest  and  satisfaction.  I  cannot 
help  longing  to  take  some  part  with  the  dear  children. 
Pauline  had  been  with  her  sick  uncle  to  mass.  Let  us 
not  judge  others,  though  we  may  feel  for  one  another,  and 
prize  the  privileges  we  possess.  We  have  been  having  our 
meeting  together.  I  had  to  remind  my  companions  of  a 
text  which  has  frequently  been  on  my  mind  during  our 
journey,  —  "  Examine  yourselves,  prove  your  own  selves, 
whether  ye  be  in  the  faith,  &c."  —  Of  the  importance, 
(especially)  under  our  present  circumstances,  of  self-exa- 
mination whether  we  be  in  the  faith,  whether  Christ  be  in 
us  by  his  Spirit,  whether  we  are  so  abiding  in  Him  as  to 
bring  forth  fruit.  We  read  the  fourth  and  fifth  chapters 
of  second  Corinthians.  Visited  the  Hospital,  where  the 
nuns  of  "the  order  of  St.  Joseph"  attend  the  sick,  —  an 


1816.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  63 

interesting  scene.     Had  some  conversation  with  the  pa- 
tients, also  with  the  nuns." 

In  a  letter  to  her  beloved  brother  Samuel,  she 
says :  — 

Avignon,  Eleventh  Month  13th. 

I  spent  some  time  on  First-day  at  a  large  hospital,  where 
the  sick  people  are  attended  by  an  order  of  nuns  from  an 
adjoining  convent.  I  was  interested  much  by  the  scene, 
both  by  the  invalids  and  their  attendants,  and  in  my  very 
poor  way  had  some  communication  with  several  of  them, 
and  wished  much  to  see  the  convent ;  but  could  not  then 
obtain  leave.  The  sick  people  seemed  to  benefit  much  by 
the  kind  care  of  the  nuns  ;  I  could  not  help  wishing  for 
some  such  attendance  in  our  hospitals.  I  took  a  Catholic 
edition  of  the  Testament  with  me ;  but  they  would  not 
accept  it.  The  nuns  were  very  kind  to  me,  though  ad- 
dressed by  the  title  of  "  Heretique."  Since  this  visit  we 
obtained  a  letter  from  the  Bishop,  with  leave  to  visit  the 
convent,  and  we  have  been  there  this  morning,  and  spent 
about  an  hour  with  the  nuns.  A  most  curious  visit  we 
paid.  I  wish  I  could  describe  it  to  you  ;  it  was  a  great 
favour  to  be  admitted,  and  I  believe  it  was  owing  to  my 
having  the  appearance  of  a  "Religieuse  Anglaise"  (English 
nun,)  that  obtained  the  permission  for  us.  They  are  only 
eighteen  in  number.  I  should  think,  by  the  appearance 
of  the  house,  reduced  —  so  many  of  their  chambers  ap- 
peared unoccupied.  To  be  sure,  we  were  never  so  addressed 
before;  such  invectives  and  denunciations  against  the 
Protestants,  such  entreaties  to  return  to  the  "  only  true 
Church,"  such  warm  invitations  to  join  their  members, 
such  expressions  of  horror  at  our  heresy,  as  I  really  could 
not  have  believed  had  I  not  heard  them.  They  all  being 


64  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  [1816. 

about  us,  we  could  only  answer  their  lectures  and  exhorta- 
tions by  a  few  broken  defences  of  our  faith.  I  was  not  in 
the  least  inclined  to  enter  into  discussion,  but  rather  to 
gather  what  there  was  to  be  gathered  of  the  sweet  and 
good  spirit  amongst  them,  and  to  unite  in  those  simple 
truths  in  which  we  could  unite.  On  this  account,  I  believe, 
and  from  my  appearance,  they  had  more  hopes  of  me,  and 
were,  in  consequence,  more  earnest  in  their  entreaties  and 
invitations.  After  they  had  showed  us  through  the  house, 
chapel,  &c.,  many  of  them  fell  upon  their  knees,  which 
they  said  was  to  pray  for  us,  that  we  might  be  converted 
and  saved,  and  during  the  time  we  were  there  they  were 
continually  falling  on  their  knees  before  some  saint,  or  the 
Virgin,  &c.  There  really  appeared  much  devotion  to  their 
duties  ;  but  so  much  delusion,  such  narrow  boundaries,  that 
it  was  impossible  not  to  be  painfully  impressed;  and  I 
could  not  help  feeling  and  thinking  how  little  was  to  be 
felt  of  the  glorious  liberty  of  the  children  of  God.  I  said 
I  hoped  we  should  part  in  Christian  love,  to  which  they 
assented ;  and  they  really  were  very  kind  and  affectionate 
in  manner.  It  seems  as  if  I  were  to  be  introduced  to  a 
variety  in  the  Christian  world.  I  must  confess  that  the 
experience  of  this  journey  has  led  me  increasingly  to  value 
that  religion  which  is  spiritual  and  inward,  and  to  desire 
to  be  more  and  more  guided  (seeing  the  delusions  of  men,) 
by  that  Spirit  and  holy  anointing  which  can  really  change 
the  heart,  and  lead  into  all  truth :  at  the  same  time,  when 
we  can,  we  ought  to  take  example  from  the  good  we  see 
in  others,  and  I  think  we  may  gain  some  lessons  from  the 
Catholics.  We  must  still  remember  that  we  are  not  to 
judge  one  another ;  there  is  One  that  judgeth.  I  have 
given  away  one  Bible  and  several  Testaments  here,  which 
have  been  thankfully  received.  The  other  day  I  had  quite 


1816.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  65 

a  long  visit  to  a  respectable  man  and  his  wife,  and  had  a 
good  deal  of  communication  with  them.  When  I  am  alone, 
I  can  manage  to  convey  my  mind  tolerably,  though  in  a 
very  poor,  stumbling  manner. 

The  Super ieure  of  the  nuns  who  attend  the  sick  in  the 
hospital  refused  to  accept  a  Testament  which  I  offered  to 
her.  Pauline  has  been  with  us  all  day  —  visit  to  her  uncle 
and  aunt,  to  whom  I  gave  a  Testament  with  satisfaction 
and  hope.  We  talked  of  the  influence  and  instruction  of 
the  Holy  Spirit,  as  superior  to  that  of  man.  I  long  "to  see 
this  more  understood,  particularly  in  France. 

13^/i.  —  With  Pauline  to  the  Libraire,  and  renewed  my 
stock  of  Testaments.  I  felt  low  to-day :  less  access  to  the 
only  Source  of  substantial  comfort  and  consolation. 

14th.  —  Farewell  to  the  family  of  our  landlady  —  rather 
interesting.  Reached  Port  Royal  in  the  evening.  The 
mountains  grand,  summits  covered  with  snow,  colouring 
most  beautiful. 

15^/i. — Entrance  into  Aix,  very  fine  :  four  rows  of  trees 
in  the  principal  streets,  fountains  of  hot  and  cold  water, 
striking  in  their  effect.  The  weather  very  cold,  owing  to 
the  Bise  (their  north-east  wind). 

VJth. — To  Luc  :  country  most  luxuriant,  with  olive  trees, 
&c.  Felt  thankfulness  in  having  been  thus  far  carried 
through  difficulties,  and  helped  on  our  way,  and  for  the 
various  deliverances  we  have  experienced. 

18^A. — From  Luc  to  Frejus.  The  sight  of  the  Mediter- 
ranean interesting.  Walked  to  the  Roman  Amphitheatre. 
Sketched  the  scene. 

IQth. —  A  bitterly  cold  walk  before  breakfast  to  see  the 
remains  of  the  Roman  Lighthouse.  Wonderfully  fine  ride 
from  Frejus  to  Cannes.  At  Frejus,  Bonaparte  landed 
6* 


66  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA  GURNET.  [1816. 

from  Egypt,  and  also  embarked  for  Elba :    at  Cannes,  he 
landed  from  Elba. 

"Writing  at  this  date  to  her  sister  Rachel,  Pris- 
cilla  Gurney  says  :  — 

We  have  to-day  crossed  over  a  very  high  hill,  which  took 
up  most  of  the  morning ;  I  quite  enjoyed  my  solitary  walk, 
or  rather  ascent,  up  the  mountain  —  my  own  contempla- 
tions, and  the  wonderful  works  of  nature.  I  walked  alone, 
until  I  overtook  a  hermit  going  on  a  pilgrimage  to  the 
Pope  at  Rome ;  and,  feeling  something  like  a  pilgrim  my- 
self, we  joined  company,  and  entered  into  conversation  and 
a  little  sympathy  on  our  way.  He  lived  in  a  hermitage 
near  Bourdeaux,  and  had  travelled  several  hundred  miles, 
taking  with  him  no  money,  having  only  his  staff,  and  (as 
he  said)  protected  by  several  crucifixes  and  relics  of  "  the 
order  of  St.  Jaques."  He  wore  a  most  curious  large 
leathern  garment,  the  sign  of  his  order,  covered  with 
shells,  relics,  and  crucifixes.  I  asked  him  whether  he  had 
any  companion.  He  said,  none  other  than  the  one  he 
wore  —  pointing  to  the  image  of  our  Saviour.  I  said,  I 
hoped  that  his  Spirit  dwelt  in  his  heart,  as  well  as  his 
image  on  his  garment.  He  assented,  and,  after  giving 
him  a  few  sous,  we  parted. 

20/7*. — Gave  Testaments  to  our  landlady  and  one  of  her 
neighbours.  From  Cannes  to  Nice,  the  entrance  into  which 
place  was,  I  believe,  deeply  felt  by  us  all :  the  remembrance 
of  our  long  pilgrimage,  the  uncertainty  of  the  event,  espe- 
cially to  the  dear  invalids,  excited  much  thought.  May 
they  so  love  the  Lord  that  all  things  may  "  work  together 
for  good." 

l<Jiriit-d<iy. — Comfortable.    Our  meeting  in  the  morning. 


1816.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  67 

This  day  I  had  to  say  a  few  words  on  the  text,  "  Him  that 
cometh  unto  me  I  will  in  no  wise  cast  out."  I  had  to 
supplicate  that  the  presence  of  the  Lord  might  be  with  us. 
These  meetings  I  find  occasion  more  conflict  of  mind  than 
more  public  ones. 

Eleventh  Month  26th. — We  took  possession  of  our  new 
abode ;  a  house  pleasantly  situated,  just  cut  of  the  town. 
That  the  Divine  blessing  may  rest  upon  us  in  it,  was  my 
desire. 

21th. — My  birth-day — thirty-one.  I  seem  far  advanced 
in  my  pilgrimage.  A  poor  account  from  the  Grove  of 
their  dear  Joseph,  which  was  trying  and  depressing.  We 
began  to  read  together  in  the  evening  Jones's  "  History 
of  the  Waldenses."  We  talked  of  the  necessity  of  our 
simple  and  entire  reliance  on  Providence,  committing  our- 
selves and  those  most  dear  to  us  to  his  mercy  and  protec- 
tion. Oh,  that  we  may  be  enabled  to  do  this  ! 

28th.  —  I  felt  and  expressed  the  desire  that,  in  all  our 
words  and  actions  and  deportment,  we  might  be  strength- 
ened to  confess  Christ  before  men,  and  so  guarded  that  in 
nothing  we  may  deny  Him.  They  that  confess  Him  shall 
be  confessed. 

29th. — Rachel  and  I  read  the  two  first  chapters  of  Re- 
velations. We  dwelt  with  comfort,  and,  I  trust,  with 
some  encouragement,  on  the  promises  to  those  who  over- 
come. 

Very  anxious  about  dear  Rachel.  We  read  with  much 
interest,  and  I  trust  not  without  some  profit,  that  wonder- 
ful chapter  the  third  of  Revelations. 

First-day,  Eleventh  Month  30th. — I  enjoy  my  quiet  re- 
treat before  breakfast.  Our  meeting  after  breakfast  com- 
fortable. I  was  enabled,  under  a  peculiar  sense  of  my 
own  weakness,  to  express  a  few  words  on  this  text, — "  He 


68  MEMOIR   OF    PRISCILLA    GURNET.  [1816. 

that  cometh  unto  God  must  believe  that  He  is,  and  that  He 
is  a  rewarder  of  them  that  diligently  seek  Him,"  and  my 
desire  that  we  might  all  come  unto  Him  in  this  spirit  of 
faith. 

To  her  sister  Rachel  she  wrote  :  — 

I  think  often  of  those  words  of  David, — "  I  had  rather 
be  a  doorkeeper  in  the  house  of  my  God  than  to  dwell  in 
the  tents  of  wickedness."  Oh,  it  is  infinitely  better  to  be 
a  doorkeeper  in  his  house  than  to  possess  all  that  this 
world  can  give  !  ...  In  this  country  we  cannot  but 
lamentingly  feel  that,  though  the  harvest  is  great,  the 
labourers  are  few.  The  blind  worship  of  the  Virgin,  the 
images,  and  pictures  of  the  Redeemer,  gives  me  a  melan- 
choly feeling.  Surely  these  things  must  tend  to  obscure 
his  holy  presence  in  the  heart ;  and  they  appear  to  me 
obviously  to  have  their  deadening  and  darkening  effect. 

Twelfth  Month  6th. — Poor  account  of  dear  Joseph.  A 
low  evening :  solemn  time  at  the  end  of  it. 

7th,  First-day. — A  solemn  meeting  together,  at  least  it 
was  so  to  me,  ending  in  prayer  that,  whatever  may  be  the 
trials  permitted,  or  sacrifices  required,  our  faith  may  not 
fail. 

9th. — A  cloud  seems  to  hang  over  us  on  account  of  dear 
Joseph's  illness. 

1.0th. — I  much  enjoyed  reading  with  Elizabeth  the  third 
chapter  of  Corinthians,  —  "  Know  ye  not  that  ye  are  the 
temple  of  God,  and  that  the  Spirit  of  God  dwelleth  in 
you?" 

Twelfth  Month  11th.  —  Read  to  Rachel  Bishop  Taylor 
on  humility ;  some  excellent  instructions ;  may  we  take 
them  home.  I  long  for  the  growth  of  this  Christian  grace 
in  our  hearts. 


1816.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILIA   GURNEY.  69 

14th. — The  suspense  and  deep  feeling  of  anxiety  about 
Joseph  have  been  trying. 

15f  A,  First-day.  —  Assembled  as  usual  for  our  little 
meeting. 

Afterwards  she  wrote  to  her  brother  and  sister 
Hoare :  — 

Withdrawn,  as  I  have  been,  from  my  (usual  course  of) 
life,  it  has  sometimes  led  to  a  serious  review  of  myself,  in 
which  I  have  had  humblingly  to  feel  my  many  and  various 
deficiencies  in  every  way ;  but  the  mercy  and  redeeming 
love  which  blots  out,  and  which  covers  our  transgressions, 
h.is  often,  I  think  I  may  say,  been  afresh  and  powerfully 
manifested  to  me,  and  I  have  at  times  been  permitted  to 
feel  the  unspeakable  consolations  of  the  Gospel  dispensa- 
tion, and  the  love  of  God  through  Jesus  Christ. 

16th. — Visit  from  a  young  Countess.  Not  so  comfort- 
able a  morning  as  usual.  We  talked  of  other  people, 
which  is  seldom  without  dissatisfaction  to  me.  How  I  do 
long  that  every  thing  in  our  hearts  may  be  brought  under 
the  influence  of  Christian  love  ! 

11th.  —  Visit  from  the  Countess  Cesole*.  She  gave  us 
an  interesting  history  of  the  sufferings  of  her  family  dur- 
ing the  Revolution,  and  in  a  pleasing  manner,  with  much 
feeling.  The  Abbe",  her  son,  a  priest,  was  afterwards  in- 
troduced to  us :  the  most  humble  and  pleasing  priest,  in 
appearance,  that  we  have  seen. 

18th.  —  The  letters  brought  the  sad  and  deeply  affect- 
ing intelligence  of  dear  Joseph's  death.  A  solemn  and 
suffering  day. 

For  many  months  this  beloved  youth,  the  eldest 
and  only  surviving  son  of  Joseph  and  Jane  Gurney, 


70  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  [1816. 

had  been  in  declining  health.  He  had  been  re- 
markably preserved  from  the  evils  of  the  world, 
and  his  mind  imbued  with  religious  principle. 
Fully  aware  of  his  danger,  he  was  favoured  with 
great  quietness  and  peace  in  his  transit  from  time. 

19£/i.  —  A  low  night. 

P.  G.  wrote  to  her  deeply  afflicted  uncle  and 
aunt,  "  with  feelings  not  to  be  described."  After 
this  the  sorrowing  little  company  met  together  for 
a  time  of  worship ;  "  at  the  conclusion  of  which," 
she  says : — 

I  believe  we  were  drawn  unitedly  to  the  throne  of  grace, 
humbly  supplicating  for  those  absent,  as  well  as  for  our- 
selves, that  the  blessing  of  the  Lord  might  be  with  us, 
sanctifying  this  deep  affliction  to  many  hearts,  that  our 
faith  and  patience  may  not  fail.  More  quietness  and  com- 
posure prevailed  to-day. 

2,1st.  —  There  is  a  peace,  and  sometimes  even  a  joy,  in 
this  time  of  trial,  in  the  belief  which  has  been  permitted 
to  us  that  our  beloved  Joseph  is  at  rest,  and  that  the  sus- 
taining Arm  is  yet  underneath  those  who  remain  in  this 
state  of  probation.  We  read  comfortably  in  the  Bible 
before  we  separated,  and  were,  I  trust,  enabled  to  com- 
mend ourselves  and  those  far  away  to  the  preserving  care, 
love,  and  mercy  of  the  Shepherd  of  Israel.  Thus  ends 
this  solemn  week,  one  not  soon  to  be  forgotten ;  and  the 
effects  of  which  on  our  hearts  will,  I  hope,  never  be  done 
away. 

Fir*t-day,  22,d.  —  I  had  to  express  my  desire  that  we 
might  attend  to  our  Saviour's  injunction,  "  Take  no  thought 


1816.]  MEMOIR  OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  71 

for  the  morrow,"  &c.,  and  also  to  allude  to  the  importance 
of  doing  the  day's  work  in  the  day-time ;  for  "  the  night 
cometh"  soon,  "when  no  man  can  work." 

In  reference  to  the  decease  of  their  dear  cousin, 
she  writes  to  her  brother  J.  J.  G.,  Twelfth  Month, 
26th:  — 

There  are  few  passages  in  Scripture  that  have  been 
more  animating  or  comforting  to  me  than  the  promises  in 
the  Revelations  to  those  who  overcome :  I  have  dwelt  on 
them  with  a  peculiar  interest,  and  I  believe  with  a  renewed 
desire  for  us  who  remain,  that  we  may  with  more  faith, 
more  humility,  and  more  entire  and  simple  obedience, 
enlist  under  the  banner  of  the  Captain  of  our  salvation, 
that  we  may  follow  Him  whithersoever  He  leadeth  us,  that 
we  may  trust  in  Him  with  our  whole  hearts  until  we  know 
the  victory  to  be  obtained  through  Him  over  sin  and  the 
world,  and  over  death.  "  The  last  enemy  that  shall  be 
destroyed  is  death."  It  is  indeed  the  prayer  of  my  heart, 
my  dearest  Joseph,  that  thou  mayest  be  encouraged  and 
enabled  yet  to  go  on,  yet  to  press  forward  in  every  reli- 
gious, domestic,  and  public  duty,  in  quietness  and  humility, 
"  not  slothful  in  business,  fervent  in  spirit,  serving  the 
Lord."  When  the  curtain  drops,  and  the  scene  closes 
here,  how  is  then  every  sacrifice  in  the  cause  of  religion, 
how  is  every  act  of  faith  and  obedience  to  be  prized  ;  how 
inestimable  do  they  become  as  evidences  of  that  grace  by 
which  alone  we  are  saved !  Whilst  thus  separated  from 
the  world  and  withdrawn  from  service,  and  feeling  my  own 
poverty  and  littleness  in  every  way,  the  desire  is  still 
lively  for  the  faithful  servants  of  the  Lord,  that  they  may 
be  stedfast  and  immoveable,  always  abounding  in  the  work 


72  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  [1816. 

of  the  Lord ;  and  for  none  do  I  feel  this  more  earnestly 
than  for  you,  my  dearest  brothers,  that  in  your  respective 
allotments  you  may  so  hold  fast  that  no  man  may  take 
your  crown :  and  may  you  be  more  and  more  willing  to 
bear  the  cross  of  our  blessed  Lord  ;  may  it  in  nothing,  little 
or  great,  be  a  stumbling-block  to  you.  May  you,  in  all 
things,  suffer  his  holy  will,  becoming  as  little  children, 
"learning  of  Him  who  was  meek  and  lowly  of  heart;" 
thus  you  will  become  (and  indeed  it  is  my  most  comforting 
hope  and  belief  for  you,)  as  valiants  in  his  army,  as  faith- 
ful servants  in  his  most  holy  church,  and  you  will  finally 
find  in  Him  "  eternal  rest  unto  your  souls." 

In  a  letter  to  a  Friend  in  England,  about  this 
time,  she  says  :  — 

I  have  felt  an  earnest  desire  that  thou  mayest  not  be 
discouraged  in  the  important  duty  of  attending  meetings. 
It  appears  to  me  most  desirable  that  we  should  ever  bear 
in  mind  for  what  we  go  to  meeting, — not  to  seek  man  nor 
the  help  of  man,  but  to  seek  the  Lord,  and  the  help  of  the 
Lord;  and  I  can  truly  say,  I  am  increasingly  persuaded 
of  the  truth  of  these  words,  —  "  The  Lord  is  good  to  those 
that  wait  for  Him,  to  the  soul  that  seeketh  Him."  How 
does  every  fresh  experience  of  life  make  me  desire  for 
those  in  early  life,  that  they  may  remember  their  Creator 
in  the  days  of  their  youth !  I  feel  so  very  sure  that  they 
will  never  have  cause  to  regret  any  sacrifice  made  in  his 
Bcrvice,  or  for  his  sake. 

Twelfth  Month  23d.  —  It  was  with  some  effort  that  we 
began  the  occupations  of  the  week.  Elizabeth  and  I  re- 
sumed our  Bible  reading.  In  the  evening  we  continued 
the  "  History  of  the  Waldenses." 


1816.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  73 

24th. —  After  breakfast  I  visited  some  poor  people  with 
Cook  (their  man-servant).  Went  up  a  dark  stair-case, 
into  a  little  room,  where  we  found  a  poor  widow,  just  dead ; 
also  a  tailor  and  his  wife,  &c.  We  afterwards  saw  the 
funerals  of  two  rich  ladies  (an  aunt  and  her  niece),  who 
died  nearly  at  the  same  time,  one  of  them  in  the  "church." 
We  met  the  procession  coming  from  the  old  lady's  house. 
In  the  "  church,"  many  priests  were  assembled,  also  les 
Filles  de  la  Charite,  holding  candles,  and  praying  for  the 
departed  souls.  The  old  woman  was  carried  on  something 
of  a  bier,  her  head  and  face  exposed.  She  had  on  a  smart 
cap,  with  white  satin  ribbons.  The  view  of  death  bringing 
home  our  present  trial,  and  still  more  the  oppression  of 
that  covering  which  seems  spread  over  the  Truth,  made 
me  very  low. 

25th.  —  Beautifully  warm,  clear  day.  I  walked  under 
the  rocks.  This  text  comforted  me,  —  "Blessed  are  they 
that  mourn,  for  they  shall  be  comforted."  It  seemed 
right  for  me  to  express  my  belief  that  this  blessing  is  de- 
signed to  attend  us  all,  present  and  absent,  in  this  time  of 
affliction.  If  we  be  faithful,  patient,  and  obedient,  we  shall 
all  find  that  it  is,  and  will  be,  more  blessed  to  mourn  than 
to  rejoice. 

21th. — Rawlinson  B and  I  visited,  with  the  Countess 

and  the  Abbd,  les  Filles  de  la  Oharite,  and  were  interested 
in  seeing  this  institution,  which  appears,  in  many  respects, 
well  conducted.  We  were  entertained  with  many  figures 
which  had  been  arranged  for  the  devotions  of  "  Christmas." 
Some  things  in  the  religion  of  the  Catholics  appear  to  me 
so  very  childish. 

28th. — Walked  round  the  foot  of  Mount  Cennier.  This 
has  been  to  me  a  peaceful,  though  low  week. 

First-day,  29th.  —  Our  Meeting  was  quiet  and  satisfac- 

7 


74  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  [1817. 

tory.  These  words  were  very  comforting  to  me,  which  I 
had  to  express,  —  "Father,  I  will  that  those  whom  thou 
hast  given  me  be  with  me  where  I  am,  that  they  may 
behold  my  glory."  Consolation  in  our  separation  from  so 
many  near  and  dear  to  us,  and  encouragement  to  us  who 
remain  to  seek  to  be  partakers  of  the  same  promises.  How 
great  the  importance  of  having  our  hearts  weaned  from  all 
earthly  dependencies  and  excitements !  Read  a  little  in 
Leighton  on  this  subject.  Had  a  sweet  walk  before  dinner 
on  Mount  Cennier.  The  distant  views  of  the  mountains, 
with  the  sea  and  town,  and  the  setting  sun,  were  particu- 
larly beautiful,  and  awakened  many  interesting  and  affect- 
ing associations.  Began  to  read  Young's  "Night  Thoughts" 
through  with  Elizabeth. 

31st.  —  Elizabeth  very  unwell.  I  sat  with  her  in  her 
room,  and  read  to  her  portions  of  Scripture.  This  even- 
ing I  felt  the  solemnity  of  the  close  of  this  year,  and  an 
earnest  desire  for  us  all,  absent  and  present,  that  we  may 
begin  the  next  with  renewed  diligence,  running  "  with  pa- 
tience the  race  that  is  set  before  us."  The  peasants,  in 
the  adjoining  garden,  were  dancing  and  screaming  with 
apparent  ease  and  low  pleasure.  It  was  a  contrast  to  my 
own  feelings.  Rachel  expressed  to  me,  before  we  parted 
for  the  night,  how  very  solemn  she  felt  the  prospect  of 
entering  another  year  with  such  a  mist  before  it  —  such 
uncertainty  as  to  life  or  death.  Looking  every  way,  the 
prospect  was,  she  said,  serious  to  her;  the  continuance  of 
illness,  death,  or  the  restoration  to  life :  the  latter  would 
be,  to  her,  almost  as  solemn  as  the  former.  It  is  my  sin- 
cere desire  that,  whatever  may  be  the  events  or  the  dis- 
pensations of  the  year  to  her,  "neither  life  nor  death, 
heights  nor  depths,  nor  any  other  creature,"  may  "  be  able 
to  separate"  her  "from  the  love  of  God  which  is  in  Christ 


1817.]  MEMOIR   OF    PRISCILLA   GURNEY.  75 

Jesus  our  Lord."  Heard  distant  shouts  and  sounds  of 
rejoicing  after  I  was  in  bed,  and  also  early  this  morning, 
the  first  day  of  1817. 

First  Month  2nd. — Our  meeting  this  morning  was  par- 
ticularly interesting  to  me.  I  felt  peculiarly  drawn  to 
supplicate  in  spirit  for ,  feeling  near  unity  and  sym- 
pathy with  her,  desiring  that,  though  the  Lord  has  been 
pleased  to  show  her  great  and  sore  troubles,  He  may,  in 
his  own  time,  bring  her  up  again  as  from  the  depths  of 
the  earth ;  and,  if  He  seeth  meet  still  to  lead  her  as  into 
the  wilderness,  that  He  may  "  open  unto  her  the  door  of 
hope ;"  that  his  word  may  be  a  light  unto  her  path,  and  a 
guide  to  her  feet;  and  for  us  all,  in  this  new  year,  that 
He  would  enable  us  to  do  his  will,  giving  us,  day  by  day, 
£ur  daily  bread. 

3rd. — Our  invalids  very  poorly:  I  felt  unable  to  admi- 
nister much  comfort  to  them. 

5th. — With  E.  to  visit  the  poor.  Rachel  and  I  after- 
wards read  Barrow's  Sermon  on  submission,  then  had  a 
pleasant  excursion  by  myself:  enjoyed  the  company  of 
two  sweet  innocent-looking  girls  who  sat  beside  me,  but 
we  could  only  communicate  by  signs.*  I  was  amused  with 
the  people,  and  they  with  me.  Afterwards  I  visited  the 
mother  of  a  large  family. 

The  reader,  in  mentally  accompanying  Priscilla, 
Gurney  in  her  daily  pursuits,  can  scarcely  fail  to 
be  impressed  with  her  constant  piety,  her  unvary- 
ing spirit  of  warm  Christian  benevolence,  drawing 
her  into  sympathy  with  every  fellow-creature.  She 

*  Nice  being  an  Italian  city,  many  of  the  lower  classes,  in  the 
district  beyond  it  cannot  converse  in  the  French  language.    They 
t  a  mixture  of  French  and  Italian. 


76  MEMOIR   OF    FRISCILLA   GURNET.  [1817. 

appeared  never  to  live  for  herself,  or  to  seek  per- 
sonal gratification ;  for,  though  she  derived  sweet 
enjoyment  from  beholding  the  beauties  of  the  ex- 
ternal creation,  we  may  perceive  that  an  aspiration 
after  the  sensible  influence  of  the  love  of  God  was 
ever  the  pervading  principle  in  her  soul.  This 
Divine  love  led  her  to  desire  to  relieve  the  necessi- 
ties, and  to  soothe  the  sorrows,  of  all  the  children  of 
want  and  affliction,  and  so  enlarged  her  heart  that 
it  knew  no  limitations  from  diversity  of  sect;  not 
being  restrained  even  by  the  chilling  effect  of 
spiritual  darkness,  or  of  the  mists  of  gloomy  super- 
stition. She  was  always  attracted  towards  the 
young ;  but  her  tender  interest  was,  as  might  be 
expected,  especially  excited  in  reference  to  the 
welfare  of  her  nearest  connexions :  of  these,  the 
children  of  her  beloved  sister,  E.  J.  Fry,  occupied 
a  large  space  in  the  sphere  of  her  affections.  She 
not  unfrequently  addressed  them  by  letters  suited 
to  their  youthful  tastes,  yet  calculated  to  imbue 
their  minds  with  a  disinterested  concern  for  the 
happiness  of  others,  as  well  as  with  a  reverence 
of  their  Almighty  Creator.  It  was  her  practice  to 
write  to  the  two  elder  ones  of  that  interesting 
family  in  the  French  language,  thus  encouraging 
them  in  their  study  of  it.  From  Nice  she  sent  to 
them  the  following  (translated)  :  — 

First  Month,  1817. 

MY  DEAR  NIECES,  K.  AND  R.  F., 

We  are  much  pleased  with  Nice.     It  is  an  agreeable 
town,  situated  on  the  sea,  and  surrounded  by  high  moun- 


1817.]  MEMOIR   OF   PKISCILLA   GURNEY.  77 

tains.  Some  of  them  have  their  summits  always  covered 
with  snow,  and  sometimes  with  clouds ;  but  the  weather 
has  been  so  fine  here  since  we  came,  that  the  sky  is  almost 
always  clear.  Oh,  how  charmed  you  would  be  with  this 
country  !  When  I  walk  about  alone  I  often  think  of  you, 
my  dear  nieces,  and  I  wish  much  to  have  you  for  my  com- 
panions in  my  walk,  because  you  would  have  great  plea- 
sure in  traversing  the  country  with  me,  and  in  admiring 
the  fine  vines  that  are  seen  from  the  roads  around  our 
dwelling.  The  poor  people,  also,  would  interest  you  much 
— their  language,  their  dress,  and  their  manners,  are  very 
different  from  those  of  the  poor  in  our  country.  Some- 
times I  visit  them  in  their  houses,  and  often  find  them 
occupied  in  cultivating  their  gardens.  I  am  obliged  to 
make  myself  understood  by  signs,  which  sometimes  serve 
me  for  a  French  word,  and  sometimes  for  an  Italian  word  ; 
because  they  speak,  in  this  part,  a  mixture  of  these  two 
lancnia^es.  In  the  town  and  its  environs  we  sometimes 

O          O 

find  a  crowd  of  beggars,  and  the  peasants  in  the  country 
have  also  the  habit  of  begging.  We  do  not  often  give 
them  money,  but  we  have  purchased  for  them  a  supply 
of  soup,  which  is  distributed  every  day  in  the  town,  at  the 
gate  of  an  establishment  Called  the  Hospice.  It  is  a 
charitable  institution  for  poor  girls  who  are  orphans.  Our 
friend,  the  Abbd  de  Cesole,  has  the  direction  of  it.  We 
have  visited  this  house,  and  have  remarked  with  pleasure 
that  it  is  well  conducted,  and  the  girls  have  an  appearance 
of  good  health  and  happiness.  They  are  to  come  and 
make  a  visit  to  us  in  the  garden,  and  have  cakes  and  fruit. 
They  often  accompany  the  Abbd  (to  whom  they  give  the 
name  of  Father)  to  funerals.  There  are  not  any  nuns  at 
Nice.  Since  the  Revolution  several  convents  have  been 
abandoned.  There  are  some  monks  in  the  convents  of 
7* 


78  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  [1817. 

Barthe'le'mi  and  Cennier  who  have  been  long  here.  One 
of  these  monks  comes  every  week  to  our  house  to  make 
la  quete  (a  gathering),  for  the  rules  of  their  order  oblige 
them  to  subsist  on  charity.  One  of  them  enters  a  house, 
and  asks  for  bread  and  oil  and  other  things  necessary  for 
them ;  they  rarely  eat  meat,  and  they  are  not  willing  to 
accept  money.  My  cousin  Jane  has  sketched  one  of  these 
monks,  and  when  we  return  to  England  we  may  perhaps 
show  you  his  portrait. 

Thus,  by  exciting  in  the  young  mind  an  interest 
on  behalf  of  the  indigent,  were  the  seeds  of  bene- 
volence implanted,  which  have  been  fruitful  in 
maturer  age. 

TO   LUCY  AGGS. 

Nice,  First  Month  3rd. 

I  feel  a  very  near  interest  in  all  that  concerns  thy  wel- 
fare, and  sincerely  desire  that  a  blessing  may  attend  thee 
wherever  thou  goest,  and  in  whatever  place  thy  allotment 
may  be  cast.  I  look  sometimes  with  something  of  a  feel- 
ing of  anxious  solicitude  towards  many  of  the  young  peo- 
ple at  Norwich.  I  hope,  my  dear  Lucy,  thou  mayest  be 
encouraged,  according  to  thy  ability,  to  labour  amongst 
them  faithfully,  in  spirit,  if  not  in  word.  However  weak, 
however  poor  we  may  be,  (and  I  am  sure  I  feel  myself 
amongst  that  number,)  we  must  still  be  willing  to  take  our 
portion  of  service,  be  it  little  or  great,  that  we  may  be 
called  upon  to  perform.  We  must  remember  that  the 
"increase"  can  alone  be  given  from  above.  I  cannot  well 
express  to  thee  what  I  sometimes  feel  for  our  dear  Friends 
at  Norwich  and  in  Norfolk,  to  whom  I  feel  increasingly 
united  (I  hope)  in  spirit.  How  do  I  desire  that  the  Spirit 
of  Truth  may  more  and  more  prevail  amongst  us  !  Whilst 


1817.]  MEMOIR   OF    PRISCILLA   GURNET.  79 

so  wholly  and  unexpectedly  withdrawn  from  them,  I  still 
often  turn  in  spirit  towards  many,  individually  and  collec- 
tively, with  feelings  of  near  interest,  and  sometimes  with 
the  hope  that,  whether  present  or  absent,  we  may  yet  be 
permitted  to  feel  something  of  the  "  unity  of  the  Spirit  in 
the  bond  of  peace."  Surely  the  loss  of  our  beloved 
Joseph,  an  event  so  awful,  so  striking,  and  so  affecting, 
will  be  the  means  of  impressing  the  young  people  amongst 
us  !  I  believe  I  may  say,  it  is  the  prayer  of  my  heart 
that  it  may  be  so,  that  they  may  be  more  willing  to  gather 
in  faith  and  obedience,  (for  that,  I  believe,  is  what  is  want- 
ing amongst  us,)  under  the  wing  of  the  Shepherd  of  Israel. 
I  think  I  never  on  any  occasion  felt  the  force  of  these 
words  so  much,  —  "  Blessed  are  those  servants  that  are 
found  watching." 

First  Month,  8th.  —  Call  with  G.  B.  on  the  Greniers, 
(a  Swiss  minister  and  his  wife,)  which  proved  satisfactory. 

3th. — Our  Meeting  this  morning  was  deeply  interesting. 
Surely  we  were  baptized  together.  I  have,  for  many  days 
past,  been  brought  into  a  deep  and  an  unusual  degree  of 
sympathy  with  each  member  of  our  company ;  and  before 
we  separated  this  forenoon,  I  was  permitted  and  strength- 
ened to  pour  forth  the  feelings  of  my  heart  before  Him  to 
whom  all  things  are  naked  and  open,  and  who  knoweth  all 
our  sufferings,  temptations  and  conflicts.  The  solemnity 
of  this  morning,  I  think,  cannot  soon  be  forgotten.  I 
trust  its  effects  may  be  lasting  in  our  hearts. 

Wth.  —  Speaking  of  the  spiritual  consolations  which 
she  has  of  late  experienced,  Rachel  said  that,  in  the  midst 
of  this  affliction,  she  had  at  times  known  a  joy  which  she 
had  never  felt  in  the  same  degree  before.  I  finished 
"Barrow  on  Submission"  to  her  in  the  afternoon. 

Ylth. — We  received  a  pleasant  visit  from  F.  Grenier, 


80  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  [1817. 

the  Swiss  minister.  He  and  Rachel  and  I  had  some  con- 
versation on  the  present  state  of  religion  in  the  world.  I 
hope  this  may  prove  a  useful  acquaintance  for  us. 

To  a  beloved  brother  she  writes  at  this  time :  — 

I  can  say  with  truth  that  the  experience  of  this  journey 
has  not  weaned  my  heart  from  Friends,  or  lessened  my 
value  for  that  holy,  actuating,  and  living  principle,  which, 
I  helieve,  is  the  groundwork  of  our  profession,  if  not  as 
much  as  it  ought  to  be  of  our  practice.  On  the  contrary, 
I  long  for  its  prevalence  in  the  world,  which  certainly 
does  appear  to  me  (I  hope  without  the  spirit  of  judgment) 
chained  and  darkened  hy  forms  and  ceremonies :  but  this 
submission  to  the  Spirit,  to  its  guidance,  to  its  baptisms, 
to  its  humiliation,  its  teachings  and  its  sanctifications,  we 
find  daily  and  hourly  in  the  way  of  the  Cross,  and  there- 
fore, alas  !  it  is  too  much  of  a  stumbling-block  to  many 
of  us ;  at  least  I  am  sure  it  is  to  me ;  but  the  sense  of  my 
own  weakness  and  imperfections  does  not  make  me  the  less 
desire  for  those  most  dear  to  me,  that  they  may  not  flinch 
from  this  "  Cross  of  Christ." 

12th.  —  Meeting  as  usual.  I  had  to  express  a  few 
words  of  encouragement  to  each  dear  individual  of  our 
little  community ;  (with  the  inquiry)  had  we  not  each 
known  the  voice  of  the  Lord  ?  that  it  is  mightier  than  the 
noise  of  many  waters?  What  had  his  voice  spoken  of 
consolation,  of  warning,  and  of  invitation  ?  How  important 
is  obedience  to  it ! 

14th.  —  I  rode  with  the  A's  in  their  carriage  the  greater 
part  of  the  morning,  and  enjoyed  the  beauty  and  the  sub- 
limity of  the  country.  We  went  some  miles  on  the  Genoa 
Road,  which  is  one  of  the  wonderful  works  of  Bonaparte. 


1817.]  MEMOIR   OF    PRISCILLA   GURNET.  81 

Our  reading  and  parting  this  evening  were  solemn.  I  had 
felt,  during  the  day,  much  impressed  with  this  text  — 
"  Great  and  marvellous  are  thy  works,  Lord  God  Al- 
mighty !"  And  I  felt  called  upon  to  supplicate  that,  as 
we  experience,  the  truth  of  this  in  the  works  of  creation, 
so  we  might  more  and  more  know  that  great  and  marvellous 
are  the  works  of  the  Lord,  spiritually. 

Fifth-day,  2%rd. —  As  usual,  our  meeting  was  an  exer- 
cising time  to  me.  I  am  sure  it  is  no  light  service  to 
have  so  often  to  speak  on  these  occasions.  This  I  had  to 
acknowledge,  as  well  as  to  dwell  on  the  importance  of 
learning  in  every  state  to  be  content,  and  the  necessity 
of  applying  this  to  things  temporal  and  to  things  spiritual, 
and  in  every  conflict  attendant  on  the  Christian  warfare, 
not  only  in  the  great  events,  but  in  the  minute  and  daily 
and  hourly  occurrences  of  life.  Sweet  and  tranquil  walk 
by  myself,  after  meeting,  to  the  foot  of  Cennier,  and  to 
take  some  articles  of  clothing  to  my  four  poor  girls.  The 
weather  was  warm  and  delicious,  and  I  enjoyed  the  sweet 
country,  particularly  the  green  meadows  under  Cennier. 

24th. —  Read  "Barrow"  to  Elizabeth  and  Rachel, which 
we  enjoyed.  Heard  to-day  of  the  death  of  R.  W.  of  Bristol, 
and  felt  comforted  in  the  belief  that  she  was  prepared  for 
the  awful  change.  Oh,  that  we  may  die  the  death  of  the 
righteous,  and  our  last  end  be  like  unto  theirs  !  "  Blessed 
are  those  servants  whom  .the  Lord,  when  He  cometh,  shall 
find  watching." 

first-day,  26th.  —  It  is  remarkable  to  me  how  I  have 
been  brought  into  sympathy  with  each  individual  of  our 

party :  this  I  felt  in  a  peculiar  manner  towards  dear 

this  morning ;  and  the  language,  "  I  have  a  baptism  to  be 
baptized  with,"  seemed  to  come  home.  We  know  not  the 
purpose  of  our  present  baptisms ;  whether  to  prepare  us 


82  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA  GURNET.  [1817. 

for  service  in  the  Church,  or  for  our  own  refinement,  to 
clothe  us  with  that  holiness  without  which  no  man  shall 
see  the  Lord.  Afterwards  a  pleasant  call  at  F.  Grenier's  ; 
I  found  his  wife  very  poorly,  but  enjoyed  her  company. 

21th. — Went  with  Cook  after  breakfast  to  visit  Nannette 
and  her  father,  and  also  two  poor  widows  living  together. 


EXTRACT  FROM  A  LETTER  TO  HER  BROTHER,  JOSEPH 
JOHN  GURNEY. 

I  really  felt  quite  uneasy  at  making  no  effort  about  the 
Scriptures  here ;  so  I  went  off  on  Second-day  morning  with 
Rawlinson,  to  speak  more  openly  and  boldly  on  the  subject 
to  the  Abbe.  We  took  a  Catholic  French  Testament  and 
the  "  Scripture  Extracts,"  which  we  gave  to  him  ;  and  con- 
versation about  schools,  &c.,  led  to  the  subject.  The  re- 
ports of  the  obstructions  to  their  being  known  and  read 
are  evidently  too  true,  and  so  bound  do  the  people  appear 
to  their  priests,  that  it  seems  in  vain  to  do  anything.  The 
Abbd  says  it  is  not  forbidden  to  give  Testaments,  but  that 
it  is  forbidden  to  read  in  them  without  the  consent  of  the 
confessor.  He  seems  to  think  that  we  have  very  little  to 
do  with  the  Old  Testament.  His  manner,  however,  was 
pleasing,  humble,  and  kind.  It  is  melancholy  —  and  I  am 
sure  we  ought  to  feel  it  more  so  —  to  see  so  many  of  our 
fellow-creatures  in  such  a  deplorably  low  condition  tem- 
porally, and,  I  cannot  but  fear,  spiritually  also.  But  He 
that  hath  .the  key  of  David  openeth,  and  no  man  shutteth  ; 
and  I  trust  the  door  of  consolation  and  hope  is  opened  in 
many  hearts  when  we  cannot  perceive  it. 

28th. — This  day  we  accomplished  an  excursion  which  we 
have  had  a  long  time  in  view.  Gurney,  and  Agatha,  Raw- 
linson, and  I,  set  off  after  breakfast.  It  was  an  interest- 


1817.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  83 

ing  day ;  the  country  wonderfully  fine ;  and  it  forcibly 
recalled  to  my  mind  the  days  of  my  youth.  It  was  bright 
moonlight  as  we  returned  home.  As  we  traversed  the 
mountains,  I  enjoyed  my  own  contemplations  on  the  back 
of  my  mule. 

First-day,  Second  Month  2d.  —  Oh,  how  I  long  to  be 
more  willing  to  submit  to  that  nothingness  which  it  is  often 
my  allotment  to  feel !  To  be  really  brought  down,  and  to 
be  truly  sensible  that  we  are,  of  ourselves,  naked,  blind, 
&c.,  is,  I  believe,  one  of  the  hardest  lessons  which  human 
nature  has  to  learn.  0  Lord  !  teach  us  to  become  as  little 
children  —  more  humble  and  more  dependent  upon  Thee. 
Enable  us  so  to  come  unto  Thee,  that,  in  thy  beloved  Son, 
we  may  be  made  rich,  and  be  clothed  upon  with  the  raiment 
of  his  righteousness.  We  had  a  quiet,  sweet  meeting,  in 
which  my  spirit  seemed  to  be  with  our  beloved  friends  in 
different  parts  of  England;  and  before  we  separated,  I  be- 
lieve we  were  enabled  to  supplicate  for  a  blessing,  not  only 
for  ourselves,  but  for  all  those  who  had  gathered  in  the 
name  of  the  Lord,  wherever  they  might  be  scattered  ;  that 
we  might  unitedly  be  brought  to  acknowledge  One  Father, 
"  in  whom  we  live,  and  move,  and  have  our  being," — "one 
Lord,  one  faith,  one  baptism." 

4fA.  —  Spent  most  of  the  morning  in  the  city.  Raw- 
linson  Barclay  and  I  visited  again  the  Abbd  at  his  Insti- 
tution. He  appears  much  devoted  to  his  religious  duties ; 
but  the  obstruction  to  the  Scriptures  being  known  and 
read  by  the  Catholics  does  indeed  appear  extraordinary. 
Visit  to  the  Countess,  and  afterwards  to  poor  families  : 
then  an  interesting  one  to  F.  Grenier,  who  is  very  low 
about  his  wife.  We  had  some  serious  conversation,  though 
it  is  difficult  to  converse  in  French. 

To  her  brother  Joseph  she  writes  :  — 


84  MEMOIR  OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  [1817. 

I  now  have  constantly  the  name  of  "La  R(Higieuse" 
and  excite  much  more  curiosity  than  admiration ;  and  I 
am  so  different  from  the  "  Re"ligieuses"  of  this  country, 
that  we  are  a  little  afraid  that  I  shall  bring  those  of 
England  into  disrepute.  As  I  wander  occasionally  into 
the  country,  dressed  in  my  dark  gown  and  shawl,  amongst 
the  poor  people  in  their  bright  coloured  dresses,  I  often 
hear  a  hearty  laugh,  especially  amongst  the  children ;  but 
I  pass  along  very  quietly. 

Fifth-day,  6th.  —  I  had  to  express  a  few  words  on  this 
most  solemn  text,  "  Thou  shalt  love  the  Lord  thy  God 
with  all  thy  heart,  with  all  thy  strength,  &c."  Our 
present  circumstances  appear  to  me,  in  a  peculiar  manner, 
to  call  upon  us  to  examine  our  hearts  very  closely  on  this 
point  —  whether  we  are  seeking  thus  to  love  the  Lord  our 
God.  Heard  of  the  death  of  poor  D.  Grant,  the  young 
lady  who  has  been  so  long  ill  here.  This  is  the  third 
death  in  that  family  within  three  years.  Though  I  was 
permitted  to  feel  some  spiritual  help  and  consolation  this 
day,  yet  how  many  valleys  have  I  to  pass  through,  in 
which  I  feel  almost  bowed  down  under  the  sense  of  my 
own  weakness  and  infirmities.  Oh,  that  these  experiences, 
which  are  for  the  present  humiliating  and  depressing,  may 
be  working  for  my  good  eventually  ! 

First-day,  9th.  —  G.  B.  attended  the  funeral  of  D. 
Grant.  This  event  has  been  peculiarly  affecting,  and 
seems  to  have  brought  the  subject  of  death  very  home  to 
us.  There  was  a  melancholy  over  this  day.  Elizabeth, 
RawlinsjDn  B.  and  I  took  our  usual  walk  over  the  wooded 
hill.  This  was  pleasant,  and  the  quiet  is  always  a  rest  to 
me.  It  was  some  relief  to  me,  before  we  separated,  to  be 
enabled  to  commend,  not  only  ourselves,  but  others,  espe- 
cially the  afflicted  in  this  place,  to  the  mercy  of  the  Lord ; 


1817.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  85 

that  his  Spirit  may  be  with  them  to  teach  and  to  console 
them,  and  this,  under  a  fresh  sense  that  He  who  hath  the 
key  of  David  openeth,  and  no  man  shutteth,  and  shutteth 
and  no  man  openeth. 

TO  c.  G. 

Nice,  Second  Month,  8th. 

Hidden  and  clouded  as  our  prospect  was  on  leaving 
home,  I  remember  how  it  was  the  desire  of  my  heart  that 
unless  the  Lord's  presence  went  with  us,  we  might  not  be 
taken  hence,  and  there  have  been  times  in  which  I  have 
been  ready  to  believe  that  his  presence  has  been  with  us, 
and  that  it  has  hitherto  guided,  strengthened,  and  comforted 
us.  This  has  been  my  feeling.  Having  been  mercifully 
a  little  uplifted  above  my  own  poverty,  weakness,  and 
natural  lowness,  makes  me  shrink  from  my  return  to  my- 
self: but  this  will  not  do ;  —  I  believe  we  must  again  and 
again  be  brought  to  the  knowledge  of  ourselves,  and,  as 
thou  sayest,  of  our  own  wretchedness,  before  we  can 
understand  the  value,  the  necessity,  and  the  importance 
of  being  brought  to  Christ,  as  our  Helper  and  Redeemer. 
Every  fresh  experience  of  ourselves  and  of  life  makes  us 
feel  that  this  is  our  only  sure  and  effectual  refuge.  I  am 
sure  it  is  necessary  to  our  comfort  and  spiritual  prosperity 
to  be  weaned  from  all  human  dependencies,  to  have  every 
earthly  tie  shaken,  and  especially  those  which  our  hearts 
are  too  apt  to  cleave  to.  I  am  ready  to  hope  that,  in 
some  things,  this  has  been  a  weaning  time  to  me,  with- 
drawn, as  I  have  been,  not  only  from  the  nearest  and 
dearest  natural  ties,  but,  also,  from  all  outward  religious 
dependencies ;  but  I  think  I  never  felt  the  Christian  bond 
which  may  (and  which  cannot  too  much)  unite  us  together, 
stronger  or  more  precious.  Let  us  remember  that  we 
must  not  be  too  anxious  to  choose  our  own  duties :  I  some- 
8 


86  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILIA   GURNEY.  [1817. 

times  think  the  human  heart  is  remarkably  deceitful  on 
this  very  point.  Are  we  not  too  apt  to  shrink  from  deny- 
ing ourselves  and  taking  up  our  cross  daily  ?  I  am  not 
brought  fully  to  understand  that  the  human  heart  is  des- 
perately wicked  ;  but  I  think  I  have  quite  discovered  that 
it  is  prone  to  evil,  and  that  it  is  deceitful.  I  truly  desire 
thy  encouragement  in  every  good  word  and  work,  little 
and  great.  Thou  knowest  that  I  want  thee  more  and 
more,  my  dearest  C.,  to  think  it  worth  while  to  exercise 
the  Christian  principle  in  the  least,  as  well  as  in  the 
greatest  occurrences  of  life.  I  know  that  it  ought  to 
influence  and  to  govern  all  our  thoughts,  words,  and 
deeds  ;  and  I  am  sure  if  I  wish  it  for  thee,  I  wish  for  it 
and  want  it  for  myself. 


i.  —  Spent  the  day  pleasantly  with  the  A.'s,  but  it 
is  difficult  to  get  much  beyond  the  surface  of  things. 
Walked  home  in  the  evening,  having  fir-apples  for  our 
lanterns. 

12th.  —  The  Countess  came  to  have  her  picture  taken  by 
Jane.  I  sat  by  and  enjoyed  her  company.  She  gave  us 
an  interesting  account  of  the  Abbd  in  his  youth.  Called 
on  the  Greniers.  Walked  in  their  garden  with  their  sister, 
and  had  some  conversation  on  the  state  of  religion  in 
Switzerland,  and  on  their  "  Church."  The  circumstances 
of  the  Grants,  during  the  whole  of  this  week,  excited  much 
my  feeling  and  sympathy. 

15th.  —  Visit  from  the  Abbe*  de  Cesold  and  his  poor 
girls,  which  was  satisfactory. 

16</j,  First-day.  —  After  Meeting,  Agatha  and  I  paid  an 
interesting  visit  to  the  Grants.  It  was  with  some  agitation 
of  mind  that  I  entered  the  house  ;  having  been  brought 
under  so  much  feeling  for  them.  We  were  received  cor- 
dially. 


1817.]  MEMOIR   OF    PRISCILLA   GURNET.  87 

18th.  —  Parting  visit  to  the  Grants  —  I  felt  I  could  not 
leave  without  saying  a  few  words  to  them :  so,  before  we 
rose,  I  said  I  hoped  it  was  not  too  great  a  liberty  for  a 
stranger  to  express  an  earnest  desire  that  the  blessing  of 
the  Lord  might  be  with  them  —  that  He  might  be  their 
refuge  and  strength,  and  present  help  in  every  trial — that 
the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  might  be  their  Comforter,  their 
Guide,  their  Strength  under  every  affliction.  There  was 
a  solemn  and  sweet  feeling  which  was  more  than  words, 
and  I  felt  that  we  parted  in  Christian  love.  It  was  a  time 
of  mental  conflict,  and  my  heart  seemed  afterwards  to 
overflow  with  thankfulness  in  having  again  been  sensible 
of  His  power,  who  yet  sustains  and  helps  us  in  our  weak- 
ness, and  who  makes  a  way  where  we  can  see  no  way.  In 
this  power  we  can  sometimes  acknowledge  that,  though 
of  ourselves  we  can  do  nothing,  yet  all  things  are  possible 
with  God.  A  sweet  note  from  M.  Grant  (the  widower)  in 
the  evening,  which  was  comforting  and  encouraging  to  me. 

~L9th.  —  The  departure  of  the  Grants  from  Nice  this 
morning  was  affecting,  as  the  close  of  our  communication 
had  also  been. 

2,0th. — "  Man  shall  not  live  by  bread  alone,  but  by  every 
word  of  God."  This  has  often  appeared  to  me  one  of  the 
most  difficult  lessons,  and  one  the  most  contrary  to  our 
natures  to  learn.  Not  only  do  we  experience  that  we  are 
not  to  be  satisfied  with  the  things  of  time,  but  we  are  often 
not  permitted  sensibly  to  partake  of  that  "  bread  which 
cometh  down  from  heaven."  This  is  a  difficult  lesson, 
because  the  Word  of  God  in  our  hearts  leads  into  an  entire 
surrender  of  ourselves  to  His  will :  it  convinces  of  sin,  it 
manifests  that  of  ourselves  we  are  wretched,  miserable, 
blind  and  naked ;  it  teaches  a  humbling  lesson,  and  there- 
fore contrary  to  our  nature.  I  could  not  but  believe  that, 


88  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA  GURNET.  [1817, 

in  the  present  time,  some,  if  not  all,  among  us,  are  called 
upon  to  experience  this  truth,  that  "  man  doth  not  live  by 
bread  alone."  I  desire  the  encouragement  of  those  who 
may  be  brought  to  this  experience.  Those  who  are  willing 
to  learn  this  lesson  shall,  in  due  time,  know  that  his 
"  words  they  are  spirit  and  they  are  life."  After  meeting, 
I  visited  the  grave  of  D.  Grant  with  G.  A.  and  E.  After 
standing  round  the  grave  in  silence  I  had  to  supplicate 
that,  seeing  that  in  the  midst  of  life  we  are  in  death — that 
all  flesh  is  as  grass  —  the  Word  of  our  God  might  so  far 
prevail  in  our  hearts  that  we  might  know  it  to  abide  for 
ever  —  that,  through  the  Spirit,  we  might  so  live  and  be- 
lieve in  Christ,  as  to  know  Him  to  be  our  Resurrection 
and  our  Life  —  and  not  only  for  ourselves  had  we  to  sup- 
plicate, but  for  the  afflicted  and  bereaved  family,  that  their 
sufferings  might  lead  them  to  the  blessed  knowledge  that 
their  Redeemer  liveth,  and  that  the  Lord  might,  in  all 
things,  guide  them  by  his  counsel,  and  afterward  receive 
them  into  glory.  .  .  I  have  had  to  acknowledge  that, 
in  the  spiritual  exercises  of  the  past  week,  which  have  not 
been  light  ones  to  me,  "the  Lord  is  my  Helper"  —  that 
his  Spirit  is  yet  a  sure  guide  and  an  all-sufficient  support. 
Oh,  that  I  may  be  enabled,  more  and  more,  to  live  accord- 
ing to  his  instructions ! 

First-day,  23d. — One  of  our  quiet  and  solemn  meetings, 
in  which  I  believe  we  were  enabled  unitedly  to  draw  near 
to  the  throne  of  grace,  and  in  my  mind  there  seemed  a 
renewed  sense  that  we  have  a  "  High  Priest  who  is  passed 
into  the  heavens,  who  ever  liveth  to  make  intercession 
for  us." 

To  S.  G.  she  wrote  at  this  time :  — 

I  fully  agreed  with  thee  in  what  thou  sayest  of  the  Spirit 


1817.]  MEMOIR   OF    PRISC1LLA    GURNEY.  89 

and  Inward  Teacher  given  to  all.  You  may  perhaps  think 
that  I  have  dwelt  too  much  on  the  importance  of  spreading 
the  Scriptures ;  the  reason  is  that  I  have  felt  it  the  only 
thing  we  can  do  here.  There  appears  to  me,  among  the 
Catholics,  so  very  little  opening  for  any  other  means  of 
communication;  hut  I  never  felt  more  deeply  convinced  of 
the  importance  and  efficacy  of  the  work  of  the  Spirit  on 
the  heart,  than  in  the  experience  of  this  journey,  and 
never  more  truly  valued  that  principle  which  leads  to  an 
entire  submission  to  .its  guidance,  its  teaching,  and  its 
baptism. 

24f h.  —  I  felt  the  prospect  of  taking  leave  of  the  Gre- 
niers.  A.  and  I  spent  some  time  with  them  in  the  after- 
noon, and  had,  I  hope,  a  satisfactory  parting.  I  believed 
it  right  to  express  a  few  words  in  prayer  in  English.  I 
felt  more  power  than  usual  to  utter  some  expressions  in 
French  afterwards.  We  parted  affectionately. 

Third  Month  2d. — Spent  a  comfortable  and  industrious 
day.  A  letter  from  M.  Grant  (the  bereaved  husband,)  to 
A.,  from  which  I  felt  some  encouragement. 

An  extract  from  this  letter  affords  one  amongst 
many  evidences,  frequently  occurring,  that  Priscilla 
Gurney  was  a  messenger  of  Divine  good  to  those 
by  whom  she  was  surrounded,  and,  wherever  her 
lot  was  cast,  her  light  shone  brightly  before  men. 
"I  hope,"  says  M.  Grant,  "that  Mr.  Barclay  and 
your  cousin  will  keep  their  intention  of  seeing  Mar- 
seilles before  they  return  home,  and  that  we  shall 
have  the  pleasure  of  seeing  them  there.  The  con- 
duct of  vour  amiable  cousin,  the  dav  before  \ve  left 

«/  */ 


90  MEMOIR  OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  [1817. 

Nice,  has  made  a  deep  impression  on  every  mem- 
ber of  this  family,  and  I  can  hardly  express  how 
very  much  we  were  affected  by  it,  or  how  grateful 
we  shall  ever  feel  to  her." 

TO   WILLIAM   AND   ANNA  FORSTER. 

Nice,  Third  Month  5th. 

I  have  had  much  satisfaction  in  being  with  dear  Jane 
and  Rachel,  as  well  as  the  rest  of  our  little  circle ;  and  we 
have  been,  to  my  feelings,  very  sweetly  and  comfortably 
united  together.  I  believe  it  will  now  be  a  relief  to  my 
mind  to  resign  my  charge  to  my  beloved  uncle  and  aunt, 
and  to  return  to  my  own  post  at  home.  I  feel  truly 
obliged  to  thee,  dear  William,  for  thy  few  lines  of  exhorta- 
tion and  encouragement  to  me :  they  have  been  particularly 
seasonable  at  this  time.  I  hope  to  have  your  continued 
sympathy,  and  to  be  remembered  by  you ;  for,  indeed,  I 
often  feel  that  I  need,  in  a  peculiar  manner,  the  help  spi- 
ritually of  my  friends ;  though  I  am  sure  I  have  no  cause 
for  complaint,  but,  indeed,  very  great  occasion  for  thank- 
fulness in  the  many  and  unmerited  blessings  which  are 
granted  me  ;  and  I  have  felt  renewedly  sensible  of  this  in 
my  situation  here,  and  in  the  long  and  distant  separation 
from  my  dear  friends,  and  from  my  beloved  family. 

A  prospect  of  visiting  the  Friends  of  Congenies,  &c., 
though  one  not  by  any  means  clear  as  to  how  it  will  turn 
out,  is  one  of  considerable  weight  and  seriousness  to  me ; 
but  I  have  not  felt  easy  to  leave  France  without  visiting 
them.  I  am  not  inclined  to  be  very  anxious  on  the  sub- 
ject, believing  that  if  the  thing  be  right,  the  way  will 
somehow  be  made  for  it.  It  seems  almost  in  vain  to  look 
on  the  right  hand,  or  on  the  left,  or  to  expect  the  appro- 


1817.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNEY.  91 

bation  of  man  on  the  one  side  or  the  other.  I  believe  it 
would  not  be  of  so  much  consequence  to  us  if  our  eye 
were  really  kept  single  towards  our  dear  Lord  and  Master; 
at  least  I  feel  this  much  myself,  and  I  well  know  that  this 
is  what  I  want  very  far  more  of. 

P.  G.  here  mentions  paying  a  social  visit  to  the 
country  seat  of  the  Countess  de  Cesole;  several 
of  the  party  also  took  a  ride  to  Falacone  and  St. 
Andre. 

6th.  —  Agatha  and  Jane  brought  home  a  pilgrim.  He 
had  a  beautiful  countenance.  He  was  going  on  a  pil- 
grimage to  Jerusalem. 

ItJi.  —  We  received  an  agreeable  visit  from  the  Abbe" 
de  CesoM.  I  walked  alone  before  dinner,  and  sat  on  a 
hill  enjoying  the  beautiful  country  and  the  views  of  the 
sea.  Felt  much  in  the  prospect  of  leaving  this  place. 

14th.  —  Went  into  Nice  with  the  Countess,  to  call  on 
the  poor  widow. 

15^.  —  Rode  with  E.  and  G.  to  Villa  Franca  and  the 
Bay  of  Hospice. 

First-day,  16th.  —  A  comfortable  meeting.  Felt  the 
language  of  our  Saviour  to  the  disciples  in  the  storm, 
"Peace,  be  still."  Visited  a  sick  lady,  and  read  the 
Bible  to  her,  and  had  some  satisfactory  conversation  with 
the  family.  Took  leave  of  the  old  widow,  &c. 

First-day,  23rd  of  Third  Month.  —  One  of  those  days 
in  which  I  had  much,  very  much,  to  feel.  It  was  our  last 
meeting  together,  and  an  occasion  to  be  remembered.  It 
seemed  right  for  me  to  address  a  few  words  to  each  indi- 
vidual of  the  circle ;  which,  under  a  great  sense  of  weak- 
ness, was  indeed  no  light  service ;  but  I  felt  that  I  was 
helped  and  supported  through  all.  Visit  to  the  A.'s  and 


92  MEMOIR   OF    PRISCILLA    GURNET.  [1817. 

a  comfortable  reading  with  the  invalid ;  afterwards  had  a 
sweet  walk  home  by  myself.  A  satisfactory  reading  in 
the  evening ;  after  which  I  had  to  express  a  few  words  to 
the  servants.  On  retiring  this  evening  I  desire  to  feel 
thankful  in  having  been  carried  through  this  day. 

24iA.  —  Chiefly  engaged  in  making  preparations  for  my 
departure. 

25^.  —  This  day  was  devoted  to  paying  farewell  visits 
to  the  Count  and  Countess ;  afterwards,  with  the  latter, 
to  the  Abbd  at  his  institution,  and  had  quite  a  sweet  part- 
ing with  him.  Our  dinner  was  low,  and  we  all  felt  agitated 
at  the  prospect  of  the  arrival  of  my  uncle  and  aunt. 
Before  we  separated  I  felt  bound  in  spirit  to  supplicate 
(vocally)  that  He  who  had  sustained  us  in  every  conflict 
would  be  with  us,  wonld  yet  strengthen  and  comfort  us. 
Interesting  visit  to  the  A.'s.  I  had  to  express  my  desire 
for  them,  that  all  their  afflictions  might  work  for  them  "a 
far  more  exceeding  and  eternal  weight  of  glory." 

26th.  —  The  arrival  of  my  dear  uncle  and  aunt  and 
Emma  was  one  of  those  very  affecting  events  not  soon  to 
be  forgotten.  They  came  about  ten.  It  was  overwhelm- 
ing to  our  natural  feelings  to  meet  them  again.  We  are 
all  cast  down,  and  very  low. 

In  reference  to  this  deeply  touching  re-union  of 
the  bereaved  family,  the  reader  will  scarcely  need 
to  be  reminded  of  the  solemn  event  that  had  oc- 
curred during  their  separation,  which  had  removed 
from  them  the  only  surviving  son  and  brother ;  or 
of  the  mournful  anticipation  that  their  beloved 
Rachel  would  soon  follow  to  the  grave  the  two  dear 
youths  whom  they  had  been  called  to  resign.  But, 


1817.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  93 

most  bitter  as  was  their  cup  of  life,  during  years  of 
sorrow  and  anxiety,  the  power  of  Christian  faith 
was  remarkably  exemplified  in  the  meek  submis- 
sion with  which  there  was  a  surrendering  to  Divine 
disposal  the  treasured  objects  most  dear  to  their 
hearts.  How  animating  and  instructive  is  it  to 
follow  these  afflicted  individuals;  to  mark  espe- 
cially how,  in  the  strength  of  his  gracious  Lord, 
the  honoured  head  of  that  circle  was  sustained, 
and  under  every  circumstance  enabled  to  dedicate 
himself  and  his  all  to  the  service  of  Christ.  Pris- 
cilla's  journal  proceeds:  — 

Fifth-day,  21th. — My  uncle  said  a  few  words  after  break- 
fast, expressing  his  thankfulness  for  the  spiritual  blessing 

bestowed  in  every  situation We  all  met  at 

meeting.  My  uncle  spoke  beautifully  on  the  wells  of  water, 
of  the  sound  to  be  heard  at  a  distance  when  we  could  not 
always  fully  partake  of  them.  I  aftenvards  walked  to  the 
sea-shore. 

First-day,  30^. — An  interesting,  but  painful  day  to  me ; 
yet  we  passed  through  it  as  comfortably  as  we  could  expect, 
under  our  present  circumstances. 

On  this  day  one  of  the  Romish  festivals  was  cele- 
brated, and  P.  G.  describes  it:  — 

Numbers  of  people  were  carrying  branches  of  palm, 
olives,  and  laurels,  to  be  blessed  by  the  bishop.  This 
renders  them,  in  the  view  of  the  people,  sacred,  and  they 
are  kept  as  precious  possessions  in  their  houses,  to  protect 


94  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA  GURNET.  [1817. 

them  against  all  evil  and  mischief.  The  ceremony  and 
outward  show  in  the  Catholic  church  are,  I  must  say,  ex- 
traordinary to  me.  We  had  a  comfortable  meeting  —  my 
uncle  beautiful  in  prayer  for  the  true  church.  I  afterwards 
paid  a  visit  with  my  aunt  to  the  A.'s ;  then,  with  A.  B.,  to 
take  a  second  farewell  of  the  Cesole's.  At  the  close  of  our 
reading,  I  felt  as  though  I  could  not  leave  them  without 
offering  the  language  of  supplication  on  their  behalf. 


1817.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  95 


CHAPTER    II. 

1817-1818. 

Priscilla  Gurnoy  quits  Nice — Visits  the  Friends  at  Congenies,  etc. — 
Returns  to  England  —  Attends  the  Yearly  Meeting  in  London  — 
Returns  to  Earlham — Death  of  Rachel  Gurney — Correspondence — 
Marriage  of  Joseph  John  Gurney  —  Benevolent  Occupations  at 
Home — Religious  Engagements  in  Cambridgeshire  and  Hunting- 
donshire—  General  Visit  to  the  Meetings  of  Friends  in  Ireland — 
Yearly  Meeting  in  Dublin — In  London — Returns  Home. 

IT  was  very  affecting  to  Priscilla  Gurney's  ten- 
derest  feelings  to  bid  farewell  —  as  it  proved  —  for 
the  last  time  to  her  beloved  cousin  Rachel,  whom 
she  had  watched  with  such  anxious  solicitude. 

For  several  months  she  had  believed  it  would 
be  right  for  her  to  take  a  rather  different  route  on 
her  journey  homeward,  and  to  visit  Congenies  and 
those  places  in  its  vicinity  where  the  principles  of 
the  religious  Society  of  Friends  were  professed  by 
a  small  company  of  interesting  persons.  We  return 
to  her  journal. 

Third  Month  31s£.  —  I  left  them  early,  after  I  had 
visited  them  all  in  their  rooms.  I  enjoyed  the  quiet  rest 
of  the  day's  journey :  the  country  and  weather  delightful. 
At  Antibes  \ve  stayed  some  time.  A.  R.  Barclay  (who 
was  her  attendant)  having  to  procure  passports,  I  gave 
away  several  Testaments  and  a  number  of  tracts,  espe- 


96  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  [1817. 

cially  amongst  some  soldiers.  In  the  evening  we  walked 
by  moonlight  to  the  Amphitheatre  at  Frejus. 

Fourth  Month  1st.  —  From  Frejus  to  Luc  to  breakfast, 
and  before  night  reached  Aix,  where  we  were  kindly  re- 
ceived and  well  remembered.  The  books  I  had  given 
appear  to  have  been  valued  and  carefully  kept.  The 
situation  of  Aix  is  very  beautiful.  From  Aix  to  Port 
Royal  on  the  2nd :  there  we  left  our  old  road  and  came 
to  "  St."  Remy,  a  very  striking  place.  The  costumes  of 
the  people  are  pretty.  We  visited  the  Roman  arch  near 
the  Tower — the  scene  highly  beautiful :  thence  to  Nismes. 
I  had  some  conversation  with  the  landlady  of  the  hotel, 
who  is  a  Protestant:  I  gave  her  a  Bible.  It  appears, 
from  her  account,  that  the  Protestants  here  have  suffered 
much  at  different  times,  and  numbers  of  them  lost  their 
lives  about  a  year  and  a  half  ago.  Many  families  are 
without  the  Scriptures. 

3rd. — After  a  very  early  breakfast  we  came  forward  to 
this  place  (Congenies).  My  heart  sank  a  little,  feeling  the 
weight  of  this  visit  in  prospect.  Louis  Majolier  met  us  at 
his  door,  and  we  received  a  very  kind  welcome.  The  re- 
mainder of  the  day  occupied  by  calls  from  the  Friends 
who  came  in  to  see  me.  A  low  night.  I  felt  in  some 
degree  dismayed,  till  I  was  again  permitted  to  partake  of 
a  little  of  that  peace  which  can  quiet  every  storm. 

4<A.  —  After  breakfast  we  visited  P.  Benezet  and  his 
wife,  and  several  other  families  of  the  Friends.  I  was 
enabled  to  express  my  desire  for  them,  in  French,  that 
they  might  acknowledge  one  Lord,  be  established  in  one 
faith,  and  be  baptized  by  one  baptism.  I  felt  some  de- 
gree of  satisfaction  in  these  visits ;  paid  others  in  the 
evening,  seeing  many  Friends  who  flocked  around  us. 

First-day,  Qth. — The  meetings  were,  on  the  whole,  com- 


1817.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.*  97 

fortable ;  though  I  longed  for  more  quiet,  inwardly  and 
outwardly.  We  walked  after  dinner  to  Louis  Majolier's 
vineyard.  I  enjoyed  the  company  of  the  Friends. 

7f  A.  —  I  walked  with  the  two  little  boys  to  a  mill  upon 
the  hill.  After  breakfast  we  visited  several  families,  and 
a  number  of  Friends  from  the  neighbouring  villages  came 
to  see  us. 

8th. — Went  to  Fontana  to  visit  an  aged  Friend  and  her 
family.  I  enjoyed  my  ride  on  the  ass,  and  had  some  inte- 
resting conversation  with  Antoine  Brun. 

9th.  —  Two  family  visits,  and  afterwards  met  all  the 
Majolier  family,  which  was  interesting  and  relieving  to 
me.  Leave-taking  and  departure  for  "  St."  Giles,  accom- 
panied by  Louis  M.  and  one  of  his  daughters.  The  meet- 
ing at  Giles  not  soon  to  be  forgotten.  It  was  a  time  of 
deep  feeling  to  me. 

We  may  here  introduce  an  extract  from  the  notes 
of  the  journey,  kept  by  her  cousin  A.  R.  B. 

Congenies,  Third  Month  4th. 

At  seven  in  the  evening,  the  meeting  took  place  in  the 
large  room  adjoining  Louis  Majolier's  house :  Priscilla 
spoke  with  much  sweetness  in  the  French  language,  with 
little  apparent  difficulty,  and  for  some  time,  and  I  am  told 
was  generally  understood.  These  poor  Friends  are  engaged 
mostly  in  the  hard  and  laborious  employment  of  the  culture 
of  the  vine.  Their  vineyards  are  dug  with  the  hand,  a 
spade  resembling  a  bat  being  used  for  the  purpose ;  so  that 
hard  labour  from  an  early  hour  in  the  morning  seems  to 
be  the  order  of  the  day. 

5th.  —  During  one  of  our  visits  this  morning  some  few 
words  were  uttered  in  French,  in  supplication,  by  Priscilla 
Gurney,  during  which  some  of  those  present  seemed  to  be 
9 


98  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  [1817. 

much  affected.  After  supper  this  evening  at  Louis  Majo- 
lier's,  some  portion  of  the  Scriptures  were  read  to  our 
party,  which  was  increased  in  number  by  the  presence  of 
most  of  the  Friends  in  the  village,  so  that  we  were  about 
thirty  or  forty  in  number.  It  was  a  pleasing  and  inte- 
resting sight  to  see  them  all  thus  assembled.  Cheerful 
conversation  followed  till  the  party  separated  to  retire  to 
rest.  It  was  a  pretty  sight  to  see  dear  Priscilla  sur- 
rounded by  the  young  and  old  of  the  party,  who  seemed 
delighted  with  her ;  her  own  lively  countenance  in  the 
midst  of  the  group,  beaming  with  Christian  affection  and 
sweetness. 

§th. — We  passed  over  a  flat  country  to  Giles.  At  the 
meeting,  Priscilla  spoke  in  exhortation  and  supplication ; 
she  was  particularly  earnest  at  almost  every  visit  on  the 
subject  of  reading  the  Scriptures  in  their  families. 

In  the  afternoon,  after  parting  with  our  dear  friends,  we 
proceeded  to  Nismes.  Saw  the  Roman  antiquities  with 
L.  M.  in  the  evening. 

11M.  —  Saw  the  gardens  and  temple  of  Diana.  Trav- 
elled on  to  Pont  du  Gard;  thence  to  Avignon,  where  we 
had  the  comfort  of  meeting  Gurney  Barclay  from  Nice, 
and  of  hearing  a  satisfactory  account  of  the  dear  party 
there. 

~L2th. — We  had  a  comfortable  day's  journey  to  Valence. 

13</t.  —  Reached  Lyons  to  lodge.  How  did  I  feel  all 
that  has  passed  since  we  were  there  before! 

14iA.  —  We  were  detained  until  one  o'clock,  in  conse- 
quence of  some  repairs  being  required  to  our  chariot  wheels. 
We  reached  Mac,on.  It  has  been  a  pleasant,  easy  day. 

The  travellers  proceeded  through  Autun,  Auxerre 
and  Melun,  to  Paris,  where  they  arrived  on  the 


1817.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  99 

18th.       Here   they  found   the   weather   "  bitterly 
cold." 

We  visited  the  Museum,  which  is  a  wonderful  collection 
of  the  productions  of  nature,  also  the  Jardin  des  Plantes. 
Dined  with  a  French  family,  which  was  an  effort  to  me  — 
meeting  with  several  ladies  who  could  not  speak  English, — 
but  we  had  an  agreeable  evening. 

~L$th.  —  Left  Paris  after  we  had  visited  the  Foundling 
Hospital.  Reached  Abbeville  in  the  evening :  enjoyed 
our  comfortable  hotel,  and  our  approach  to  our  own 
country. 

First-day,  20th.  —  I  felt  anxious  not  to  travel  on  this 
day  without  a  very  sufficient  motive.  The  wind  was  ex- 
cessively cold :  I  walked  a  little  with  a  lively  French  girl. 

On  the  20th,  they  reached  Calais  in  the  evening, 
and,  finding  a  vessel  about  to  sail  for  England,  they 
hastened  on  board,  "  leaving  the  French  shores,  not 
without  strong  emotions  and  many  touching  recol- 
lections." 

I  felt,  in  reviewing  the  months  that  we  had  spent  in 
that  country,  how  much  we  had  to  be  thankful  for.  I 
was  in  some  measure  made  sensible  that  the  Everlasting 
Arm  had  been  underneath  to  sustain;  and  in  examining 
the  past,  I  was,  I  believe,  humbled  under  the  consideration 
that  we  had  done  but  little  to  promote  the  cause  of  the 
Lord,  and  but  little  for  the  good  of  our  fellow-creatures, 
who  seem  indeed  to  stand  in  need  of  help  in  these  coun- 
tries, both  in  spiritual  and  temporal  things :  but  I  felt  a 
desire,  as  I  have  often  done  during  my  residence  in  that 
foreign  land,  that  a  blessing  might  attend  our  little  ser- 
vices—  even  the  blessing  of  Him  who  alone  can  give  the 


100  MEMOIR   OF   PKISGILLA   GURNET.  [1817. 

increase.  After  a  favourable  passage,  we  landed  at  Dover. 
The  change  to  our  own  country  was  exceedingly  pleasant 
and  very  striking,  almost  as  much  so  as  our  first  impres- 
sions on  landing  in  France.  The  people  looked  more 
solid,  and  everything  seemed  more  comfortable.  We 
travelled  through  the  night  to  London ;  the  atmosphere 
and  influence  of  which  were  oppressive  to  my  feelings.  I 
went  to  Mildred  Court,  —  very  unexpectedly  to  them. 
We  were  rejoiced  to  meet  again.  Next  day  to  dear  Louisa 
at  Hampstead,  where  we  spent  an  interesting  time  to- 
gether. I  stayed  in  and  around  London  until  after  the 
Yearly  Meeting,  when  we  heard  of  an  accident  having 
befallen  our  brother  Cunningham :  Joseph  and  I  went 
immediately  to  Pakefield,  where  I  remained  about  a  week 
assisting  to  nurse  him :  and  reached  my  own  dear  home 
about  the  middle  of  the  Sixth  Month,  after  an  absence  of 
about  nine  months. 

Thus  was  concluded  the  disinterested  labour  of 
this  lengthened  period  of  anxiety  and  change; 
throughout  the  whole  of  which  Priscilla  Gurney 
was  devoted  to  the  service  of  God,  and  to  the  help 
of  the  afflicted  and  the  needy.  Truly  she  mani- 
fested, under  every  dispensation,  that  her  spirit 
was  deeply  imbued  with  the  truth,  "  Ye  are  not 
your  own."  May  every  one  who  traces  the  cir- 
cumstances of  her  life,  short  as  it  was  and  closely 
filled  up  in  the  performance  of  duty,  be  impressed 
by  the  admonition,  "Go  thou  and  do  likewise." 
Varied  are  the  requirements  and  opportunities  of 
service  in  the  great  harvest-field ;  yet  each  indi- 
vidual is  called  to  "  work  while  it  is  day." 


1817.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA  GURNET.  101 

Priscilla  Gurney  received,  soon  after  her  arrival 
in  London,  a  rather  poor  account  of  her  beloved 
cousin  Rachel,  who  had  been  so  long  the  object  of 
her  tenderest  solicitude.  A  letter  from  Joseph 
Gurney,  dated  Nice,  Fourth  Month  15th,  says :  — 

Our  dear  Rachel  continues  yet  to  struggle  with  her 
malady.  She  views  her  situation  as  doubtful,  and  is  hum- 
bled, yet  not  fearful  under  it ;  loathing  her  past  life,  yet 
trusting  in  mercy :  indeed  it  has  been  sweet  to  sit  by  her ; 
and  I  hope  natural  affection  may  not  mislead  us  into  the 
belief  that  she  has  not  striven  in  vain  to  make  her  peace 
with  her  Maker ;  resting  in  faith  on  the  merits  and  neces- 
sity of  a  Redeemer. 

As  the  spring  advanced  her  weakness  and  dis- 
ease increased,  and  she,  as  well  as  her  beloved 
parents  and  sisters,  became  fully  aware  of  her 
very  critical  state;  and  early  in  the  Fifth  Month, 
symptoms  of  rapid  decline  indicated  that  the  close 
was  approaching  :  and  her  father  wrote  :  — 

Yesterday  was  a  day  of  great  conflict.  In  recalling  the 
sentiment  of  speedy  danger  her  mind  (quite  clear)  seemed 
at  liberty  to  address  us  individually,  with  a  strong  and 
clear  voice.  She  was  very  emphatic  in  her  advice,  particu- 
larly I  thought  to  E. ;  but,  of  herself,  she  spoke  of  being 
oppressed  with  the  burden  of  disobedience ;  and  yet  not 
without  a  gleam  of  hope  in  mercy.  In  the  afternoon  she 
supplicated,  "Cast  me  not  off  from  thy  presence,  &c:" 
and  craved  that  if,  in  the  end,  a  clearer  earnest  of  the 
future  were  nut  vouchsafed  to  her,  no  murmuring  spirit 
9* 


102  MEMOIR   OF    PRISCILLA    GURNET.  [1817. 

might  be  suffered  to  arise.     She  sent  her  love  and  many 

particular  messages  to  her  relations  and  friends 

She  felt  grateful  to for  his  kindness,  and  for  the  help 

he  had  been  made  to  her,  and  earnestly  desired  for  him 
that  he  would  follow  what  she  was  certain  he  knew  to  be 
right  for  him,  —  said  that  he  would  be  subject  to  many 
temptations  and  allurements  to  draw  him  from  it,  but  that 
if  he  kept  firm  it  would  lead  him  to  eternal  glory. 

Three  weeks  after  the  above  was  written,  this 
dear  young  friend  was  favoured  peacefully  to  pass 
away  into  the  invisible  world.  One  of  her  cousins 
announced  the  event  to  Priscilla  Gurney  :  — 

Nice,  June  1st,  1817. 

You  must  be  fully  prepared  to  hear  that  our  beloved 
Rachel  is  released  from  all  her  sufferings.  The  awful 
scene  closed  this  morning,  —  I  think  I  may  add,  with  an 
assurance  that  she  is  at  rest.  I  know  we  have  had  your 
truest  sympathy  and  your  heart  with  us.  Would  that  you 
were  here  in  reality. 

Her  sister  Jane  writes  to  P.  G.  and  G.  B. — 

We  have  many  and  great  consolations.  Our  loss  is  un- 
speakable, but  her  gain  is  inconceivable  too,  and  her  suf- 
ferings ended  for  ever ;  and  we  remember,  as  we  always 
must  do,  that  you  did  greatly  soothe  them. 

Of  the  funeral,  which  took  place  on  the  follow- 
ing Third-day,  Jane  Gurney,  jun.,  says  :  — 

My  mother  attended  it.  We  had  to  walk  about  a  mile, 
part  of  the  way  through  orange-gardens,  and  part  upon 


1817.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  103 

the  high  road.  There  was  no  crowd,  and  nothing  could 
exceed  the  stillness  and  order  of  the  whole  time.  The 
ground  is  enclosed  by  a  wall,  retired  from  the  road,  and 
not  far  from  the  sea.  There  are  several  gravestones  in  it, 
with  cypresses  planted  round  them.  At  the  grave  (which 
is  next  to  poor  dear  Grant's)  my  dear  father,  after  a  so- 
lemn pause,  expressed  his  belief  in  the  blessedness  of  his 
beloved  child ;  in  her  justification  through  faith,  and 
sanctification  through  Christ ;  that  this  belief  alone  could 
enable  parents  to  give  up  the  child  of  their  bosom,  and 
yet  raise  the  voice  of  thanksgiving  and  praise.  He  en- 
forced the  necessity  of  an  inward  and  spiritual  religion ; 
a  dependence  upon  God  as  our  Teacher,  rather  than  on 
man.  The  body  was  then  laid  in  the  grave ;  all  its 
afflictions  over,  and  the  spirit,  we  may  believe,  freed  and 
joyful. 

Her  father,  in  a  letter  to  some  others  of  the 
family,  penned  a  few  days  afterwards,  says,  re- 
ferring to  the  last  hours  of  nature's  conflict :  — 

I  found  her  quite  sensible ;  and  though  it  was  difficult 
for  her  to  articulate,  yet  with  words  and  signs  she  made 
herself  understood ;  suffering  at  times  (but  I  trust  not 
greatly)  to  the  end,  when  her  countenance  bespoke,  as 
well  as  other  proofs  throughout  her  illness,  that  her 
prayer  had  been  heard,  and  that  "no  murmuring  spirit" 
had  been  "  suffered  to  arise."  Our  loss  is,  indeed,  a  very 
heavy  one ;  and  though  we  have  witnessed  sufferings  which 
have  caused  us  (as  it  were)  to  bleed  at  every  pore,  and  led 
us  to  desire  a  release  from  them,  yet,  when  the  time  of 
separation  arrived,  when  this  beloved  child  was  to  be  re- 
signed into  the  hand  of  Him  who  bestowed  on  us  the 


104  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNEY.  [1817. 

precious  gift,  the  anguish  was,  and  is,  keen.  But  I  trust 
I  can  in  measure  rejoice  that  her  pains  are  at  an  end,  and 
still  more  in  the  belief  that  her  purified  spirit  is  at  rest 
with  her  Saviour.  Her  last  illness  has  evinced  that  she 
has  heen  under  His  holy  guidance,  and  her  chief  desire 
was  to  do  his  will.  And  this  desire  was  not  confined  to 
herself,  but  for  all  those  connected  with  her.  She  ad- 
dressed those  about  her,  separately  and  emphatically, 
strongly  recommending  the  cross  to  be  borne,  and  lament- 
ing for  herself  that  she  had  not  taken  it  up  earlier.  After- 
wards she  supplicated  for  herself,  concluding  in  the  words 
of  the  Psalmist,  "At  thy  right  hand  are  pleasures  for 
evermore."  I  hope  ever  to  remain  thankful  that  I  have 
been  permitted  to  be  with  her. 

PRISCILLA   GURNET  TO    H.  C.  BACKHOUSE. 

Pakefield,  Seventh  Month  1st,  1817. 

The  close  of  our  dearest  Rachel's  sufferings  and  con- 
flicts has  been  more  interesting  to  me  than  I  know  how  to 
express,  but  attended  with  sensible  consolation,  for  which 
we  may,  indeed,  well  be  thankful.  I  have  found  (and  in- 
creasingly,) that  it  is  not  all  the  words  of  consolation  in 
the  world  that  will  avail  at  such  a  time ;  but  to  be  per- 
mitted to  experience  a  little  faith  that  the  change  is  a 
happy  one,  is  a  precious  feeling,  and  something  of  it  has 
attended  me  on  account  of  dear  Rachel.  The  remem- 
brance of  her  is  accompanied  with  uncommon  sweetness 
and  peace,  and  I  have  at  times  felt  the  belief  that  her 
spirit  is  returned  to  her  Saviour.  I  have  lately  had  such 
an  acute  sense  of  the  cares  of  life, —  of  the  difficultie's  from 
without  and  from  within,  which  attend  our  running  with 
patience  the  race  set  before  us,  —  that  it  is  consoling  to 
remember,  and  to  bear  in  mind,  those  that  we  humbly 


1817.]  MEMOIR   OF   PKISCILLA   GURNET.  105 

hope  are  for  ever  at  rest  —  those  who  have  weathered  the 
storm,  and  have  entered  the  haven. 

Shortly  after  Priscilla  Gurney's  return  to  Earl- 
ham,  she  received,  from  several  persons  on  the  con- 
tinent, interesting  letters,  expressing,  in  affectionate 
and  earnest  language,  a  grateful  remembrance  of 
her  sympathising  and  pious  labours  to  promote 
their  well-being.  Several  of  these  communications 
were  addressed  to  her  by  the  Friends  of  Congenies 
and  its  vicinity,  and  appear  to  give  evidence  of  the 
correctness  of  her  views  respecting  them,  as  she 
had  described  them  in  a  note  that  related  some 
interesting  circumstances:  — 

There  was  manifested  by  many  of  them  a  strong  love 
for  the  Truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus,  and  a  desire  for  the  attain- 
ment of  that  experimental  knowledge  of  God  and  of  Jesus 
Christ  which  is  life  eternal.  They  appeared  a  good  deal 
separated  from  the  world,  and  were  simple  and  pleasing 
in  their  manners. 

On  17th  of  Sixth  Month,  Priscilla  Gurney,  in  a 
letter  to  her  endeared  sister,  Elizabeth  Gurney, 
says  :  — 

I  feel  in  a  tranquil,  peaceful  state  of  mind,  and  I  hope 
not  quite  insensible  to  the  many  enjoyments  and  comforts 
with  which  we  are  surrounded.  In  returning  to  England, 
I  have  afresh  felt  the  importance- of  our  seeking,  in  humi- 
lity and  simplicity,  to  keep  our  places,  both  for  our  own 
sakes,  for  the  Society,  and  for  the  dear  children  who  will 
be  looking  to  us  for  examples I  do  indeed 


106  MEMOIR  OF    PRISCILLA  GURNET.  [1817. 

believe  that  a  blessing  will  attend  us  if  we  are  concerned 
to  persevere,  and  to  increase  in  faithfulness  and  dedication 

in    little   and   in   great   things If  William 

Allen  should  go  to  France,  I  feel  very  desirous  that  he 
should  furnish  himself  with  Bibles  and  Testaments  to  dis- 
tribute, as  well  as  tracts.  Have  you  ever  thought  of  pub- 
lishing some  extracts  from  Fenelon  and  Thomas  a  Kempis, 
in  the  form  of  a  tract  ?  I  really  think  it  might  be  very 
useful  to  the  French  Catholics. 

On  the  25th  of  Eighth  Month,  she  wrote*  to  her 
beloved  niece  Katherine  Fry:  — 

Since  your  departure  from  Earlham  I  have  wished  to 
write  to  thee,  but  have  not  had  leisure  to  employ  myself 
so  agreeably.  I  have,  however,  thought  very  often  of  you 
all.  I  suppose  you  pass  your  time  in  reading,  study,  and 
working  together.  Since  I  saw  thee  I  have  made  a  little 
visit  to  R.  It  was  indeed  a  very  agreeable  one,  and  I  was 
much  pleased  with  the  garden,  there  are  so  many  fine 
flowers  and  fruits.  I  like  much  the  situation  of  the  house, 
in  the  midst  of  the  cottages  of  the  poor.  I  have  not  seen 
your  school,  because,  during  the  time  that  I  remained  at 
your  house,  the  scholars  were  not  assembled.  Hast  thou 
begun  to  instruct  the  poor  children  at  Plashet  on  the 
First-day  ?  I  know  thou  hadst  the  intention  to  do  so  when 
thou  left  us,  and  I  wish  to  know  if  thou  hast  executed  thy 
project.  My  dear  K.,  at  thy  age  thou  hast  much  to  learn, 
and  it  is  necessary  to  be  very  diligent,  and  never  to  lose 
time.  I  advise  thee  always  to  employ  thy  time  in  the  best 
manner  that  thou  canst,  and  thou  will  never  have  to  regret 
it.  We  are  now  much  occupied  in  making  preparation  for 
thy  uncle  Joseph's  marriage.  The  house  is  nearly  in  a 
*  lu  French. 


1817.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  107 

state  to  receive  our  new  sister.  Our  family  will  find  a 
great  change  from  this  marriage,  and  without  doubt  it  will 
procure  for  us  much  pleasure. 

The  marriage  alluded  to  in  this  letter  was  ac- 
complished in  the  following  month.  It  was  an 
event  that  caused  great  satisfaction  arid  joy  to 
pervade  the  whole  circle,  and  was  an  especial 
source  of  comfort  to  Priscilla  Gurney.  She  thus 
writes  of  it  to  William  and  Anna  Forster,  Ninth 
Month  12th,  1817,  from  Runcton:  — 

I  must  give  you  some  account  of  our  sweet  wedding. 
It  is  a  comfort  to  have  it  over,  and  to  have  our  dearest 
Joseph  married,  and  so  much  according  to  his  heart's 
desire.  The  meeting  was  solemn,  and  a  very  sweet  in- 
fluence prevailed,  such  an  one  as  made  us  feel  it  was  an 
union  truly  in  the  Lord,  and  gave  the  encouraging  hope 
that  his  blessing  was  with  them  in  it.  Dearest  Betsy 
supplicated  for  them  in  a  manner  which  seemed  much  felt 
by  those  present,  and  dear  Joseph  afterwards,  in  a  few 
words,  but  with  much  weight.  The  day  passed  very 
quietly  and  comfortably ;  the  weather  was  very  sweet ; 
and  the  place  particularly  agreeable  for  such  an  occasion. 
In  the  evening  the  party  separated  various  ways :  our 
dear  pair  went  on  their  way  towards  Earlham,  where  we 
now  imagine  them  enjoying  themselves. 

TO   HER    SISTER   FRY,   A  WEEK   AFTER    THE   WEDDING. 

Earlham,  2nd. 

The  emotions  on  my  reaching  Earlham  are  strange  and 
new  indeed.  Everybody  has  felt  the  change,  all  the  ser- 
vants look  as  if  they  had ;  but  there  appears  to  me  to 


108  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  [1817. 

have  been  a  most  sweet  and,  we  may  say,  almost  a  sanc- 
tified influence  over  it.  The  Everlasting  Arm  appears,  I 
think,  in  a  remarkable  manner  to  have  been  underneath 
from  the  commencement  to  the  completion  of  their  union. 

The  accustomed  avocations  of  Priscilla  Gurney 
—  visiting  the  infirm  and  sick,  attendance  at 
schools,  which  she  had  been  the  chief  instrument 
in  establishing,  and  the  higher  duties  of  frequent- 
ing the  religious  meetings  at  home,  and  in  other 
districts  of  her  own  Quarterly  Meeting  —  occupied 
the  Autumn  months  of  1817.  Early  in  the 
Twelfth  Month  she  left  home,  with  the  concurrence 
of  her  friends,  in  order  to  visit  the  meetings  of 
Friends  in  Cambridgeshire  and  Huntingdonshire. 
At  Wisbeach,  on  the  13th  of  that  month,  she 
writes :  — 

I  felt  something  of  the  depth  of  lowness  at  this  time 
and  in  the  night ;  not  only  from  the  weight  of  the  service, 
but  from  those  peculiar  conflicts  which  I  have  had  of  late 
to  pass  through. 

14th,  First-day. — Meeting  at  Wisbeach,  solemn,  and, 
I  may  thankfully  acknowledge,  relieving  to  my  mind ;  but 
I  have  seldom  been  more  sensible  of  my  poverty  and  in- 
ability. The  subject  on  my  mind  arose  from  the  text, 
"  Can  ye  drink  of  the  cup  that  I  drink  of,  and  be  bap- 
tized with  the  baptism  that  I  am  baptized  with?"  —  appli- 
cable to  us,  as  well  as  to  the  disciples  formerly.  A  solemn 
query,  Are  ye  able?  Inasmuch  as  we  share  the  sufferings 
of  our  blessed  Redeemer,  are  we,  through  his  Spirit,  made 
able  and  willing  ?  Supplicated  afterwards  that,  if  it  might 


1817.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  109 

be  needful  for  us  to  pass  through  tribulation  before  we 
enter  into  the  kingdom  of  God,  the  Lord  would  support 
and  sustain  us,  and  grant  us  a  portion  of  that  peace  which 
shall  be  perfected  in  heaven ;  for  the  few  Friends  here, 
that  this  support  may  be  granted  in  all  their  conflicts  and 
temptations,  so  as  to  be  "  made  more  than  conquerors, 
through  Him  who  hath  loved  us."  The  afternoon  meeting 
was  remarkably  sweet  and  encouraging  to  my  feelings  :  I 
had  to  address  this  language  to  the  few  present  —  ''Fear 
not,  little  flock ;  for  it  is  your  Father's  good  pleasure  to 
give  you  the  kingdom,"  —  that  if  of  his  flock  they  had 
nothing  to  fear,  —  and  on  the  importance  of  examining 
whether  we  have  reason  to  believe  that  we  are  partakers 
of  this  privilege :  what  are  the  peculiar  blessings  of  those 
who  belong  to  this  flock,  and  know  Christ  to  be  their 
Shepherd  ?  After  the  family  reading,  I  expressed  my 
desire  for  them  that  the  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ 
might  be  with  them,  —  this  I  had  especially  to  apply  to 
the  young  people.  A  sweetness  has  prevailed  through 
the  day,  and  I  feel  thankful  in  having  been  so  far  helped. 
Second-day.  —  Before  our  separation  this  morning  our 
hearts  were,  I  trust,  united  in  solemn  supplication  for  the 
blessing  of  the  Lord,  in  an  especial  manner  for  the  family 
we  were  with,  —  for  the  young  people,  that  they  might 
come  to  be  more  and  more  labourers  in  the  vineyard,  and 
that  the  Lord  would  be  with  us  in  our  various  callings, 
strengthen  and  help  us.  Rode  to  March  with  the  Peck- 
overs.  Interesting  meeting  there,  —  a  number  of  poor 
people.  I  felt  as  if  something  of  the  true  life  were  stirring 
amongst  them,  and  had  to  address  them  from  the  words, 
"Lord,  we  have  left  all  and  have  followed  thee,"  —  with 
my  apprehension  that  some  present  might  almost  adopt 
this  language.  Then  had  they  not  to  experience,  even 

10 


I 


110  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNEY.  [1817. 

when  their  flesh  and  their  heart  faileth,  the  Lord  to  be  the 
strength  of  their  heart  and  their  portion  for  ever  ?  I  had 
also  to  speak  of  our  peculiar  privileges  in  withdrawing 
from  all  outward  things,  and  being  permitted  to  enter  as 
into  the  sanctuary  of  the  Lord.  If  called  upon  to  give  up 
the  world,  let  us  be  encouraged  to  do  so,  remembering  the 
words  of  our  blessed  Redeemer,  "  My  peace  I  give  unto 
you."  ...  I  felt  this  to  be  a  day  of  deep  spiritual 
exercise,  —  not  only  from  the  services  in  which  I  was  en- 
gaged, but  also  from  my  own  peculiar  trials  at  this  time, 
which  call  for  much  patience  and  submission.* 

Fourth-day. — Called  on  some  Friends.  I  felt  the  great 
privilege  of  the  domestic  comfort  and  good  order  which  so 
conspicuously  prevail  amongst  Friends.  The  meeting  in- 
terested me  much.  Many  serious  people  were  present.  A 
quiet  solemnity  seemed  to  prevail  over  them.  I  had  to 
speak  on  this  text,  "  We  have  found  Him  of  whom  Moses 
in  the  law  and  the  prophets  did  write,"  and  of  the  expe- 
rience of  the  disciples  formerly.  They  were  led  to  expect 
the  Messiah  and  to  feel  the  need  of  a  Redeemer,  —  they 
rejoiced  to  find  Him.  This  also  applied  to  those  present : 
had  they  not  also  found  their  Saviour  ?  Such  were  en- 
couraged to  follow  Him,  to  take  up  their  daily  cross,  and 
to  deny  themselves.  I  had  also  to  express  my  desire  that 
they  might  be  more  fully  brought  into  the  love  of  God, 
and  the  patient  waiting  for  Christ;  abiding  in  Him  in 
spirit,  so  as  to  bring  forth  much  fruit.  The  afternoon  was 
occupied  in  calling  on  several  of  the  Friends.  Much 
sweetness  and  true  simplicity  were,  I  thought,  conspicuous. 
I  felt,  as  I  entered  a  little  cottage,  the  force  of  these 
words,  —  "The  blessing  of  the  Lord  maketh  truly  rich." 

*  She  had  in  prospect  a  religious  visit  to  Friends  in  Ireland, 
which  weighed  heavily  and  solemnly  upon  her  spirit. 


1817.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNEY.  Ill 

I  had  to  express  my  hope  that,  through  faith  and  obe- 
dience, they  would  increasingly  become  partakers  of  this 
blessing.  ...  I  felt  much  exhausted  and  fatigued 
this  evening,  but  I  hope  thankful  in  having  been  carried 
through  another  day. 

Fifth-day. — At  Earith. — Felt  low  and  cast  down;  but 
in  the  meeting  had  to  speak  on  the  living  waters.  —  "  If 
thou  hadst  asked  of  me,  I  would  have  given  thee  living 
water."  The  invitation  still  goes  forth,  "  Ho  !  every  one 
that  thirsteth  !"  Our  journey  through  life  may  be  com- 
pared to  the  Israelites.  To  those  whose  trust  is  in  the 
Lord  the  waters  are  "  driven  back,  the  mountains  skip 
like  rams,  and  the  little  hills  like  lambs."  My  dear  uncle 
and  aunt  joined  us  before  meeting,  which  was  remarkably 
solemn,  and  I  felt  the  silence  to  be  quieting  and  composing 
to  my  soul.  Before  the  meeting  closed,  I  had  to  remind 
them  of  the  disciples  in  the  storm,  and  the  Master's  gra- 
cious language,  "Peace,  be  still;"  exemplified  in  our  OAVII 
experience,  the  power  of  the  Redeemer  being  known 
amongst  us  to  quiet  every  storm,  to  enlighten  our  dark- 
ness, and  to  strengthen  us  in  weakness  —  encouragement 
to  sit  at  his  feet.  Lodged  at  L.  Squire's — u  sweet  family 
— several  little  children.  I  had  to  exhort  them  to  perse- 
verance in  every  labour  of  love  towards  their  dear  chil- 
dren. 

Sixth-day.  —  Quarterly  Meeting.  Many  ministers  pre- 
sent. My  dear  uncle  spoke  on  the  importance  of  bringing 
, forth  the  fruits  of  the  Spirit;  to  which  I  added  the  apos- 
tle's injunction,  "Examine  yourselves,  prove  your  own 
selves,  whether  ye  be  in  the  faith ;"  and  on  the  necessity 
and  importance  of  this  serious  examination  in  every  situa- 
tion in  life.  The  test  is,  Is  Christ  in  us  ?  What  do  we 
know  of  him  as  our  Redeemer?  What  do  we  know  of 


112  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA    GURNET.  [1817. 

reconciliation  with  the  Father,  through  Him ;  of  his  bear- 
ing our  transgressions  ? — Where  are  the  fruits  in  us  of  his 
Spirit  ?  I  had  to  go  into  the  men's  meeting  —  a  close  trial 
of  faith  —  addressed  them  on  the  salutation  of  the  apostle, 
"  Finally,  brethren,  be  perfect,  be  of  one  mind,  live  in 
peace,  and  the  God  of  love  and  peace  shall  be  with  you." 
At  the  close  of  the  women's  meeting,  I  expressed  a  few 
words  of  encouragement  to  the  tried  servants  of  the  Lord, — 
"Let  patience  have  its  perfect  work,"  hold  fast  confidence 
in  the  Lord  Jesus ;  for  "  they  that  endure  unto  the  end 
shall  be  saved." 

First-day.  —  Meeting  at  Downham,  which  was  interest- 
ing. I  felt  inexpressibly  my  poverty  and  darkness ;  but 
in  this  state  I  felt  the  power  of  the  Spirit  to  arise.  I  was 
engaged  in  supplication  that  those  who  had  put  their  hand 
to  the  plough  might  be  preserved  from  looking  back. 
Afterwards,  I  had  to  speak  on  these  words,  —  "By  their 
fruits  ye  shall  know  them.  Do  men  gather  grapes  of 
thorns,"  &c.  What  are  the  fruits  of  the  good  seed?  — 
Love,  joy,  peace,  long-suffering,  &c.  How  far  are  they 
produced  in  us  ?  Our  situation  in  life  is  not  the  thing  to 
be  considered ;  but  this  single  question  applicable  to  all, 
Do  we  abide  in  Christ?  They  that  abide  in  Christ  shall 
indeed  be  fruitful  branches. 

Second-day,  22d  Twelfth  Month.  —  Returned  to  Earl- 
ham  with  the  C.'s,  for  whom  I  felt  afresh  interested.  In 
reviewing  this  little  journey  I  have  reason  to  acknowledge 
that  I  have  found  strength  to  be  given  in  weakness,  and 
experienced  the  Lord  to  be  a  present  helper  in  the  needful 
time.  I  have  also  felt  encouraged  in  my  visits  to  these 
Friends,  believing  that  He  in  whom  is  life  is  near  to  many 
of  them.  It  wus  pleasant  to  see  some  in  little  cottages, 
which  gave  me  the  feeling  of  being  peaceful  habitations. 


1817.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  113 

My  prevailing  desire  for  them  has  been,  and  is,  that  they 
may  be  ever  kept  on  the  true  and  only  foundation,  Christ 
Jesus  the  Lord  :  that  he  may  be  unto  them  the  Way,  the 
Truth,  and  the  Life.  In  the  evening  I  attended  our 
Norwich  select  meeting,  and  had  to  say  a  few  words  on 
the  language  of  Peter,  —  "Lord,  I  will  lay  down  my  life 
for  thy  sake ;"  and  on  the  danger  of  afterwards  denying 
Christ. 

23cZ.  —  Quarterly  Meeting.  This  might  be  truly  called 
a  solemn  day,  and  one  in  which  the  presence  of  the  Lord 
seemed  to  own  us.  I  had  to  address  the  meeting  on  those 
words,  —  "To  you  who  believe  He  is  precious,  but  to  the 
disobedient  a  stone  of  stumbling  and  a  rock  of  offence  ;" 
also,  on  the  preciousness  of  the  Redeemer  to  the  penitent 
sinner,  to  the  afflicted,  and,  finally,  to  those  who  are 
brought  to  the  bed  of  sickness,  and  to  the  hour  of  death. 
But  what  is  the  hope  of  those  to  whom  the  cross  of  Christ 
is  a  stumbling-block  ?  Encouragement  to  those  who, 
through  faith,  have  known  Christ  to  be  precious  to  their 
souls,  and  warning  to  those  who  still  stumble  at  his  word  : 
with  my  earnest  desire  for  us  all  that  we  may  be  so 
brought  to  the  Redeemer,  as  to  know  his  preciousness  here 
and  hereafter.  I  had  to  lay  my  concern  for  visiting  Ire- 
land before  the  women,  and  then  before  the  men  Friends. 
The  time  in  the  men's  meeting  was  one  of  deep  solemnity. 
Dearest  Joseph  supplicated  for  me  in  a  pathetic  and  feeling 
manner,  for  my  support  and  consolation  in  this  service, 
and  that  if  it  be  consistent  with  the  Lord's  will,  I  might  be 
restored  to  them  in  peace.  My  heart  was  deeply  affected  ; 
but  the  voice  of  the  Lord  had  been  mightier  to  my  soul 
than  the  noise  of  many  waters.  I  had  to  leave  with  our 
men  Friends  these  few  words, — "  Say  unto  Jerusalem,  fear 

13* 


114  MEMOIR  OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  [1817. 

not ;  and  unto  Zion,  let  not  thine  hands  be  slack."  The 
women's  meeting  concluded  with  supplication  that  we  might 
yet  know  in  all  future  seasons,  when  collected  together,  or 
when  separated,  that  "  the  Lord's  arm  is  not  shortened 
that  it  cannot  save,  nor  his  ear  grown  heavy  that  it  cannot 
hear."  Dined  at  the  Grove,  and  we  passed  a  sweet  even- 
ing, in  much  love  and  harmony.  As  I  was  reflecting  on 
the  past  day,  I  felt  as  if  it  had  been  a  wedding-day  to  me ; 
though  no  earthly  marriage  indeed.  I  was  thinking  it  was 
just  as  if  all  my  dear  friends  had  been  signing  my  mar- 
riage certificate.  I  was  engaged  in  these  thoughts  when 
my  dear  uncle  Joseph  broke  the  silence,  by  saying,  "  Well ! 
this  day  has  been  to  my  feelings  like  a  wedding-day,  a  day 
of  espousals,  a  day  of  solemn  covenant  with  our  God ! " 
He  then  expressed  how  very  sweet  and  heavenly  an  influ- 
ence had  been  spread  over  us ;  desiring  that  we  might  pay 
our  vows  and  keep  our  covenants.  It  was  particularly 
striking  to  me.  I  prayed  that  this  day  of  visitation  might 
be  blessed  to  us.  —  Dearest  Lord !  if  this  day  has  been, 
indeed,  as  a  wedding-day  to  me  —  not  temporally,  but  spi- 
ritually—  if  I  have  had  afresh  to  enter  into  a  solemn 
covenant  with  Thee,  then  be  Thou  with  me,  weaning  my 
wandering  affections  from  earthly  things,  and  set  them 
entirely  on  things  above ;  that  I  may  indeed  say,  "  My 
heart  is  fixed."  And  as  Thou  seest  meet  that  my  longing 
heart  should  not  be  satisfied  with  anything  here  below,  be 
pleased  to  fill  up  this  void  with  thine  own  Spirit,  and,  by 
the  consolations  of  thy  presence,  make  the  desert  of  my 
heart  to  blossom  as  the  rose.  Be  the  Bridegroom  and  the 
beloved  of  my  soul,  that,  finally,  I  may  find  rest  and  peace 
and  joy  in  Theer  my  strength  and  my  Redeemer. 

Two  days  later  (viz.,  on  the  day  called  Christ- 


1818.]  MEMOIR   OF    PRISCILLA   GURNET.  115 

mas),  being  the  usual  week-day  meeting  at  Norwich, 
Priscilla  makes  this  entry  in  her  journal :  — 

It  was  very  comfortable  and  accordant  with  my  feelings 
to  assemble  at  meeting  this  morning.  The  remembrance 
of  this  day  last  year  at  Nice  was  very  solemn  to  me.  I 
felt  something  of  that  sweet  rest  and  peace  at  meeting 
which  is  like  a  foretaste  of  "  the  rest  which  remaineth  for 
the  people  of  God." 

First  Month  1st,  1818.—  Fifth-day.  —  Returned  from 
Cromer,  where  we  had  paid  an  interesting  visit  to  dear 
Louisa,  and  arrived  in  time  for  meeting,  which  was  quiet 
and  sweet  to  my  feelings.  Dear  Joseph  spoke  in  a  very 
solemn  manner  of  his  own  experience  of  the  past  year,  and 
on  the  seriousness  of  beginning  a  new  one ;  also,  on  what 
had  been  his  hope  and  consolation  in  reviewing  the  year 
now  expired :  that  he  could  find  no  substantial  hope  or  con- 
solation but  in  "the  Lamb  of  God,  who  taketh  away  the 
sin  of  the  world."  This,  also,  our  only  hope,  strength, 
and  consolation  for  the  future.  The  beginning  of  another 
year  has  felt  very  serious  to  me,  as  it  has  usually  been  ; 
yet  every  returning  one  is  increasingly  so. 

First-day,  4f/t. —  At  meeting,  I  had  to  enlarge  a  little 
on  the  parable  of  the  tares  and  the  wheat.  It  is  not  for 
us  to  judge,  or  here  to  separate  the  tares  from  the  wheat ; 
but  it  is  for  us  to  watch  individually  over  ourselves,  that 
the  tares  be  not  sown,  or  suffered  to  grow  up,  among  the 
good  seed.  At  the  afternoon  meeting,  had  to  speak  on 
the  importance  of  partaking  of  the  Bread  of  Life  —  even 
of  Christ  Jesus,  who  came  down  from  heaven,  that  those 
who  partake  of  Him,  spiritually,  may  never  die.  In  the 
latter  part  of  this  day,  I  felt  something  of  very  deep  con- 
flict, almost  tribulation  of  mind.  The  division  between 


116  MEMOIR   OF    PRISC1LLA   GURNET,  [1818. 

earthly  and  heavenly  things  has,  at  times,  been  a  sharp 
and  close  trial. 

First  Month  llth.  —  Of  the  conflicts  which  I  have 
passed  through  in  the  prospect  of  visiting  Ireland,  it  is 
enough  to  say  that  they  have  been  peculiar,  and  very 
deep.  But  I  desire,  also,  ever  to  remember  that,  in  the 
midst  of  many  infirmities  and  many  sorrows,  the  Ever- 
lasting Arm  has  been  underneath  to  sustain ;  and  I  trust 
that  the  fruits  have  been,  to  have  my  heart  more  simply 
fixed  on  Christ  as  my  only  Saviour,  and  on  his  Spirit  as 
my  only  effectual  Comforter. 

First-day,  18th. —  The  meeting  at  Norwich  was  solemn. 
On  taking  leave  of  my  friends  there,  I  had  to  remind  them 
of  this  text,  —  "  This  is  a  faithful  saying,  and  worthy  of 
all  acceptation,  that  Jesus  Christ  came  into  the  world  to 
save  sinners."  As  He  is  the  only  sure  foundation  of  our 
faith  and  hope,  it  is  well  we  should  examine  what  we  know 
of  Christ  as  our  Redeemer.  I  had  again  to  encourage  all 
my  beloved  friends  to  come  unto  Christ.  The  meeting 
ended  with  supplication  for  our  preservation,  faith,  &c. 
We  were  also,  I  think,  comforted  together.  In  the  after- 
noon meeting, prayed  for  dear  Anna  Forster*  and 

me  unitedly,  and  in  a  very  impressive  manner,  that  we 
might  be  helped,  supported  and  guided — enabled  to  speak 
the  word  in  season,  according  to  the  ability  given ;  and, 
according  to  the  example  of  our  blessed  Master,  to  heal 
the  broken-hearted,  to  comfort  those  who  mourn,  to  pro- 
claim the  acceptable  year  of  the  Lord,  &c. ;  that  if  we 

*  Her  beloved  friend  and  cousin,  Anna  Forster,  was  united 
with  her  in  the  weighty  concern  to  pay  a  religious  visit  to  the 
meetings  of  Friends  vin  Ireland.  She  was  also  liberated  for  the 
service  with  the  full  concurrence  of  the  Monthly  and  Quarterly 
Meetings  of  which  she  was  a  member. 


1818.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  117 

were  called  to  go  forth  weeping,  we  might  be  permitted  to 
come  again  rejoicing,  bringing  our  sheaves  with  us.  Then 
for  the  Church  at  large.  We  have  surely  often  been  per- 
mitted, when  gathered  together,  to  draw  near  to  the  throne 
of  grace,  through  the  power  of  Christ.  We  dined  at  home 
together.  There  was  a  sweetness  to  be  felt,  and  yet  a 
melancholy,  in  the  prospect  of  our  long  and  distant  sepa- 
ration. In  the  evening  we  had  one  of  our  large  parties 
collected  in  the  ante-room.  I  felt  inexpressibly  low ;  but 
a  solemn  covering  was  spread  over  us ;  and  though  I 
seemed  to  have  but  few  words  to  express,  yet  the  secret 
desire  of  my  heart  was,  that  the  intercession  of  the  Spirit 
might  be  accepted  on  behalf  of  my  beloved  brothers  and 
sisters,  (whether  present  or  absent,)  of  those  who  had 
affectionately  and  faithfully  served  us,  of  all  our  poor 
neighbours,  and  especially  on  behalf  of  those  who  laboured 
amongst  them.  How  great  is  our  privilege,  to  be  permitted, 
even  under  the  weight  and  in  the  depth  of  our  infirmities, 
to  commend  one  another  unto  the  Lord. 

Second-day,  19M.  —  Catherine  and  Rachel  went  with 

me  to  K ,  where  we  dined.     We  all  felt  cast  down  in 

spirit.  They  accompanied  me  to  the  mail, — when,  and  liow 
to  meet  again,  how  little  do  we  know  !  A.  S.  was  my  kind 
companion  (to  London).  I  felt  tranquil  and  composed ; 
but  still  the  conflict  of  giving  up  home  has  been  a  severe 
one,  though  not  known  in  its  full  extent  to  any  mortal, 
and  but  to  few  in  any  measure.  May  it  prove  a  prepara- 
tion for  the  holy  service  of  our  dear  Redeemer. 
I  enjoyed  my  quiet  corner  in  the  mail,  where  I  had  many 
solemn  and  affecting  thoughts,  but  mingled  with  consola- 
tion and  comfort.  The  review  of  the  months  lately  spent 
at  home  was  interesting — I  hope  not  unprofitable.  Many 
recollections  were  deeply  humbling,  and  the  general  result 


118  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  [1818. 

can  only  be  self-abasement.  But  still,  on  looking  beyond 
myself,  I  can  acknowledge  that,  as  J.  S.  said,  "  The  Lord 
hath  covered  my  head  in  many  battles." 

Third-day,  2Qth. —  After  arriving,  at  an  early 
hour,  at  Stratford,  she  "  walked  by  moonlight  to 
Upton." 

Fifth-day,  22nd.  — At  meeting  I  had  to  say  a  little  on 
these  words  —  "  They  that  endure  to  the  end  shall  be 
saved."  How  often  of  late  has  this  language  been  appli- 
cable to  my  state,  — "  Why  art  thou  cast  down,  oh  my 
soul  ?"  Oh,  that  I  may  yet  hope  in  God  !  Then  shall  I 
eventually  "  praise  Him  who  is  the  health  of  my  counte- 
nance, and  my  God." 

First-day,  First  Month  25th.  —  I  felt  being  at  Grace- 
church  Street  Meeting.  It  was  an  inexpressible  effort  to 
me  to  speak  in  that  meeting  ;  but  help  is  still  given  to  us 
in  our  weakness.  I  felt  the  same  in  the  afternoon,  when 
I  had  to  speak  on  that  text,  —  "  These  are  they  that  came 
out  of  great  tribulation,  and  have  washed  their  robes  and 
made  them  white  in  the  blood  of  the  Lamb."  After 
meeting,  P.  B.  accompanied  us  to  Islington  School,  where 
we  spent  an  interesting  evening  among  the  children.  I 
was  pleased  and  encouraged  by  their  orderly  and  quiet 
deportment.  I  examined  them  in  the  knowledge  of  the 
Scriptures,  &c.,  and  was  much  satisfied  with  the  result. 
I  rejoice  that  so  much  care  is  given  to  their  religious 
instruction. 

2Qth.  —  Finished  the  examination  of  the  girls  at  Isling- 
ton :  it  was  very  satisfactory. 

30^7*.  —  Most  of  the  day  spent  at  Islington.  At  meet- 
ing with  the  children  in  the  morning;  I  had  to  speak  to 


1818.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  119 

them  in  the  language  addressed  by  the  angels  to  the  shep- 
herds, — "  Behold !  I  bring  you  glad  tidings  of  great 
joy:"  —  these  glad  tidings  brought  to  us  all  —  the  truth 
known  that  a  Saviour  is  born  unto  them  by  His  work  in 
their  hearts,  &c. 

Seventh-day,  31s£.  —  All  our  family  party  were  assem- 
bled. I  was  brought  into  a  deep  and  tender  sympathy 

with .  Sometimes  we  have  to  know  a  little  what  it 

is  to  be  baptized  with  others,  and,  in  measure,  to  partake 
of  their  conflicts. 

First-day,  1st  of  Second  Month. — Attended  Southwark 
Meeting.  Had  to  speak  on  the  body  returning  to  the 
dust,  and  the  spirit  to  God  who  gave  it,  and  on  the  prepa- 
ration for  the  return  of  the  spirit  to  God. 

2nd.  —  Finished  the  examination  of  the  boys  at  Isling- 
ton School.  Afterwards  dined  at  the  Wilberforces'. 

3rd.  —  Betsy  and  I  met  the  Wilberforces  at  Newgate. 
Highly  interesting  visit  to  the  prison :  the  order  of  the 
poor  women  very  encouraging.  After  all  were  assembled 
Betsy  read  a  chapter,  and  afterwards  prayed  for  all 
present.  First,  for  those  who  had  been  devoted  to  the 
service  of  God ;  and  then  for  the  prisoners,  that  through 
grace  they  might  be  delivered  from  the  bondage  of  sin 
and  made  partakers  of  the  glorious  liberty  of  the  children 
of  God.  We  visited  the  poor  women  under  condemnation ; 
and  then  the  men's  side  of  the  prison ;  which  was  truly 
affecting. 

4ith.  —  M.  S.  accompanied  me  to  Wandsworth.  After 
meeting  I  spent  some  time  at  A.  M.'s  school,  where  I  had 
some  conversation  with  her  and  with  the  girls,  on  the  im- 
portant subject  of  a  closer  application  to  the  Scriptures. 

5th.  —  Our  party  were  assembled  together  in  the  even- 
ing, which  was  comfortable  to  me,  —  for  I  had  longed  to 


120  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNEY.  [1818. 

reach  a  little  true  spiritual  communion  before  we  separated, 
and  I  trust  we  were  enabled  to  press  through  all  outward 
obstacles  and  to  draw  near  to  the  throne  of  grace,  and 
once  more  solemnly  to  commend  one  another  unto  the 
Lord  and  to  his  keeping.  How  do  I  sometimes  feel  that 
if  we  may  be  permitted  to  touch  but,  as  it  were,  the  hem 
of  the  garment  of  our  dear  Redeemer,  there  is  healing  in 
it,  —  that  power  and  virtue  which  cures  our  diseases  and 
redeemeth  the  spiritual  life  from  destruction. 

First-day,  8th,  —  I  had  some  satisfactory  conversation 
with  Eliza  Fry  and  her  children,  on  religious  instruction 
and  a  diligent  application  to  the  Scriptures. 

~L5th.  —  At  Tottenham  Meeting,  which  was  comfortable 
—  many  promising  young  people.  I  had  to  address  them 
on  these  words,  —  "  How  goodly  are  thy  tents,  0  Jacob," 
&c.,  and  on  their  privilege  in  being  brought  up  as  in  a 
holy  inclosure  in  the  fold  of  the  true  Shepherd  ;  but  also 
on  the  necessity  of  giving  "all  diligence"  to  make  their 
"calling  and  election  sure."  "Many  are  called,  but  few 
chosen." 

16£/i.  —  This  was  a  day  of  much  close  conflict  to  me. 
Dear  Betsy  and  I  spent  most  of  the  morning  at  Newgate, 
much  engaged  by  the  poor  convicts  left  for  execution  the 
next  day.  We  sat  some  time  with  them ;  the  scene  was 
afflicting.  Betsy  and  I  were  united  in  prayer  for  them. 
I  deeply  felt  that  a  preparation  for  death  is  a  solemn  and 
Divine  work.  I  trust  there  was  some  fruit  of  true  repent- 
ance. Our  visit  to  the  men  was  a  very  close  exercise  of 
spirit.  I  had  to  supplicate  that  we,  and  the  poor  sufferers 
especially,  might  be  brought  experimentally  and  savingly 
to  understand  and  to  partake  of  the  benefit  of  the  suffer- 
ings of  our  Redeemer  for  sinners.  I  was  much  sunk  in 
spirit  in  the  afternoon,  and  hardly  knew  how  to  part  from 


1818.]  MEMOIR   OF    PRISCILLA  GURNET.  121 

my  beloved  brothers  and  sisters.  Many  of  us  were  assem- 
bled at  Mildred  Court,  and  we  separated  under  a  sweet 
and  so.othing  influence.  Left  that  evening  by  the  mail 
for  Shrewsbury.  My  thoughts  much  with  the  poor  suf- 
ferers at  Newgate,  and  also  with  the  beloved  friends 
whom  I  had  parted  from ;  but  I  felt  peaceful  and  quiet 
during  my  journey.  Cornelius  Hanbury  was  my  kind 
companion. 

~L8th. — We  travelled  through  Wales  to  Bangor,  where 
we  met  William  and  Anna  Forster.  Beached  Holyhead 
in  the  evening. 

19th.  —  We  were  cheered  a  little  this  morning,  and  I 
think  enabled,  with  a  measure  of  faith,  to  commend  our- 
selves again  unto  Him  whom  we  indeed  know  to  be  Lord 
of  the  winds  and  waves,  naturally  and  spiritually. 

20^. — We  reached  Dublin  harbour  about  noon.  It  was 
a  strange  feeling  on  landing  to  find  ourselves  in  another 
country.  The  appearance  of  the  people  was  different  from 
that  of  the  English.  We  were  kindly  welcomed  at  Bobert 
Fayle's.  I  felt  encouraged  by  the  remembrance  of  that 
language, — "  The  Lord  hath  delivered  thee  in  six  troubles, 
and  in  the  seventh  shall  no  evil  touch  thee." 

First-day,  22d.  —  This  was  an  exercising  day  to  us  — 
Dublin  Meeting  is  large.  I  had  to  supplicate  that  the 
same  gospel  love  that  had  led  us  forth  might  still  be  shed 
abroad  in  our  hearts ;  and  not  only  in  ours,  but  in  the 
hearts  of  those  amongst  whom  our  lot  might  be  cast.  We 
felt  it  difficult  to  reach  the  living  seed  of  the  kingdom  and 
the  deep  waters.  In  the  afternoon  a  few  words  were  ex- 
pressed on  the  importance  of  watchfulness.  Many  Friends 
assembled  to  see  us  in  the  evening.  I  often  -feel  much  at 
being  anything  to  be  sought  after,  well  knowing  my 
poverty,  weakness,  and  how  little  I  have  in  myself. 
11 


122  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  [1818. 

Second-day,  22d.  —  Left  Dublin  for  Wicklow,  where  we 
were  received  by  Friends  who  were  very  kind,  hospitable, 
and  easy  in  their  manners.  Before  we  separated  at  night 
I  longed  for  us  to  be  brought  at  least  to  the  spirit  of  prayer, 
and  had  to  say  a  few  words  on  the  subject. 

23c?. — The  meeting  interesting  and  relieving.  Expressed 
a  little  on  those  words,  —  "All  flesh  is  grass,"  &c.,  "but 
the  Word  of  the  Lord  abideth  for  ever,"  and  on  the  infinite 
importance  of  the  Word  abiding  in  us.  After  dinner  sup- 
plicated for  a  blessing,  and  that  the  Word  of  the  Lord 
might  bring  forth  fruit  for  the  little  community  at  Wicklow, 
that  their  light  might  shine  before  the  people,  who  appear 
to  sit  "  in  darkness  and  in  the  shadow  of  death."  Returned 
to  Dublin. 

26th.  —  Left  Dublin,  and  proceeded  to  Rathfriland. 

The  travellers  passed  through  some  large  towns. 
The  appearance  of  the  poor  people  whom  they  had 
hitherto  seen  was  "  oppressive  to  the  spirit,  be- 
speaking much  wretchedness  and  ignorance;"  but 
"the  country  improves  on  entering  Ulster."  After 
visiting  some  meetings  in  that  province,  they  went 
on  to  Lisburn,  where  they  attended  the  Quarterly 
Meeting:  "a  day  of  much  weight  and  solemn 
feeling ;"  but  P.  G.  adds  :  - 

How  have  we  to  experience,  day  after  day,  that  grace 
is  sufficient  for  us  in  our  great  weakness ! 

Fourth-day,  Third  Month  4th. — The  ride  to  Belfast  very 
pleasing :  the  appearance  of  the  country  cheerful  and 
flourishing.  At  the  meeting  at  Belfast  I  had  to  express  a 
little  on  the  inquiring  language, — "  Wherewith  shall  I  come 


1818.]  MEMOIR   OF    PRISCILLA   GURNET.  123 

before  the  Lord?"  &c.  He  requireth  us  "to  do  justly,  to 
love  mercy,  and  to  walk  humbly"  before  Him.  We  must 
be  brought  to  walk  humbly,  and  with  repentance  and  con- 
trition, before  we  can  see  and  understand  what  it  is  that 
covers  transgression,  and  before  we  can  behold  for  our- 
selves "  the  Lamb  of  God  which  taketh  away  the  sin  of  the 
world."  In  the  evening  many  Friends  came  to  see  us.  I 
continually  feel,  What  have  we  to  give,  unless  we  receive 
an  immediate  and  constant  supply  from  the  Source  of  all 
help  ?  After  all,  what  can  we  do  for  the  salvation  of 
others,  but  commend  them  unto  the  Lord  and  to  "the 
word  of  his  grace  ?" 

1th.  —  Returned  to  Lisburn.  Visited  several  families 
and  the  school,  about  forty  children.  They  appeared 
nicely  cared  for.  I  ventured  to  give  a  little  advice  about 
reading  the  Scriptures. 

It  may  be  here  remarked  that  the  right  training 
of  youth,  which,  as  we  have  seen,  was  at  all  times 
a  subject  of  deep  interest  with  Priscilla  Gurney, 
was,  throughout  her  travels  in  Ireland,  a  prominent 
object  of  her  concern.  She  saw  the  great  import- 
ance of  sound  religious  instruction ;  and  she  well 
knew,  from  her  own  happy  experience,  that  to 
imbue  the  minds  of  children  and  young  persons 
with  a  knowledge  of  the  Divine  law,  as  developed 
by  the  precepts  of  the  gospel  and  presented  to  us 
in  Holy  Scripture,  was  the  most  likely  means  of 
instilling  the  pure  principles  of  Christian  truth, 
and  that  "  fear  of  the  Lord"  which  "  is  a  fountain 
of  life."  To  encourage  the  reading  of  the  sacred 
volume  was,  therefore,  often  felt  by  her  to  be  her 


124  MEMOIR   OF    PRISCILLA   GURNET.  [1818. 

incumbent  duty,  and  that  every  obstruction  to  the 
faithful  fulfilment  of  it  must  be  surmounted. 

First-day,  8th.  —  At  the  morning  meeting  at  Ballin- 
derry.  Spoke  on  these  words, —  "  To  the  poor  the  gospel 
is  preached,"  not  only  by  outward  word,  but  by  the  anoint- 
ing :  this  preaching  is  saving  to  those  who  believe,  — 
teaching  us  of  the  Redeemer,  leading  to  the  Saviour,  to 
his  power  in  overcoming  and  forgiving  sin.  Evening 
meeting  at  Lisburn,  which  was  satisfactory. 

9th.  —  To  meeting  at  Lurgan.  Addressed  the  language 
of  encouragement  to  the  sheep  who  are  of  the  fold  of 
Christ ;  though  outwardly  scattered  as  having  no  shepherd, 
yet  He,  who  is  "the  good  Shepherd,"  who  "gave  his  life 
for  the  sheep,"  knoweth  his  own,  and  is  "  known  of  them." 

llth. —  At  Grange.  The  message  which  I  had  to  de- 
liver was  —  "Except  ye  repent,  ye  shall  all  likewise 
perish;"  —  the  necessity  of  individual  repentance  and 
humiliation,  which  can  alone  bring  us  to  the  experimental 
knowledge  of  the  Saviour. 

12th.  —  To- Rich-hill.  These  meetings  call  for  a  deep 
travail  of  spirit ;  and,  according  to  our  little  measure,  we 
have  to  feel  it.  On  the  way  from  Rich-hill  to  Newry,  I 
gave  away  many  tracts  and  little  books  among  the  people. 
I  have  enjoyed  much  inward  peace  and  consolation,  which 
has  been  an  inexpressible  favour.  To  be  brought  into  a 
state  of  resignation  and  submission  under  all  the  circum- 
stances of  life  is  indeed  a  cause  of  great  thankfulnesg. 

13th. — We  returned  to  Dublin. 

15th,  First-day.  —  How  have  I  longed  this  day,  for 
myself  and  others,  that  we  may  be  brought  more  fully  to 
know  Christ  as  our  Saviour,  our  Resurrection  and  our 
Life ! 

16th. — Very  poorly  to-day;   but  visited   the  Orphan 


1818.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNEY.  125 

Asylum,  an  interesting  institution,  containing  one  hundred 
and  sixty  orphan  girls. 

VI  ih.  —  Had  a  bad  night,  from  a  good  deal  of  fever, 
which  made  me  feel  seriously  the  probability  of  my  being 
very  ill.*  This  excited,  at  first,  an  emotion  of  some 
alarm ;  but  I  endeavoured  to  be  quiet,  and  I  felt  that 
power  to  be  mercifully  near,  which  can  wonderfully  allay 
our  fears,  and  quiet  every  storm. 

18th.  —  I  was  better,  and  we  proceeded  on  our  journey. 
I  distributed  many  tracts  and  little  books,  which  were 
generally  well  received.  One  Catholic  threw  them  back 
at  me.  He  would  neither  receive  them  himself,  nor  suffer 
others  to  take  them. 

19th. — Reached  Edenderry.  At  meeting,  the  subject 
that  impressed  me  was  from  the  passage,  "  If  the  righteous 
scarcely  be  saved,  where  shall  the  ungodly  and  the  sinner 
appear  ?" 

21st. — Came  forward  to  Mountmellick.  A  day  of  family 
visiting,  which  was  exercising  to  mind  and  body. 

22nd.  —  To  the  Provincial  School,  where  I  had  some 
hours'  work  in  examining  the  children  a  little,  as  to  their 
knowledge  of  Scripture. 

23rd. — To  Tullamore,  where  we  visited  two  families. 

25th. — To  Moate.  The  meeting  there  to  be  remembered. 
I  had  to  express  the  earnest  desire,  which  did  indeed  pre- 
vail with  me,  that  all  might  come  to  the  true  and  effectual 
knowledge  of  the  Gospel  —  of  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus ; 
and  to  enlarge  on  this  text, — "  I  bring  you  glad  tidings," 
&c.,  that  to  us  these  glad  tidings  are  brought,  of  "a 
Saviour  who  is  Christ  the  Lord,"  &c.  I  felt  drawn  to 
supplicate  that,  if  any  had  been  carried  away,  they  might 

*  A  contagious  fever  was  generally  prevalent  in  Ireland  at  that 
time.  —  Ed. 

11* 


126  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  [1818. 

be  brought  back,  &c.  We  afterwards  found  that  an  indi- 
vidual was  present  who  had  formerly  been  an  acceptable 
minister ;  but  he  was  now  one  of  the  seceders.* 

After  visiting  the  meetings  at  Ballymurry  and 
Athlone,  the  travellers  returned  to  Mountmellick, 
where  P.  G.  says — 

Dear  Ann  Shannon  gave  us  a  kind  reception,  and  we 
dined  with  her  and  her  school.  We  heard  of  a  priest  at 
Ballymurry  who  had  ordered  sixty  Testaments  to  be 
burned.  His  chapel  was,  on  the  same,  or  the  next  day, 
burned  down.  The  priests  cannot  induce  the  people  to 
part  with  their  Irish  Testaments.  In  the  evening  attended 
the  School  Committee. 

28th. — The  Quarterly  Meeting.  I  shall  not  soon  forget 
the  weight  of  it  in  prospect ;  but,  from  day  to  day,  help 
and  strength  have  been  mercifully  afforded  to  us.  I  felt 
deeply  impressed  with  the  infinite  importance  of  having  a 
part  in  Christ,  through  the  washing  of  regeneration. 

29th.  —  Meetings,  and  visit  to  the  Provincial  School. 
The  schools  have  been  a  peculiar  exercise  to  me.  It  has 
been  hard  work  to  do  that  which  I  felt  it  right  to  do.  As 
the  way  opens  I  must  leave  a  hint  here  and  there ;  and  in 
this,  as  in  other  services,  the  fruits  may  and  must  be  left. 
We  had  a  comfortable  time  with  the  heads  of  the  family, 
and  with  the  boys,  after  which  I  felt  drawn  to  supplicate 
for  a  blessing  upon  them.  There  appears  to  me  hope  for 
the  youth  of  this  country.  We  have  endeavoured  to  do 
the  part  assigned  us,  in  exhorting,  encouraging  and 
warning. 

*  This  person  was  afterwards  restored  to  membership,  and  died 
in  unity  with  his  friends,  and  there  was  good  ground  to  believe 
that  his  end  was  peace.  —  Ed. 


1818.]  MEMOIR   OF    PRISCILLA   GURNET.  127 

30th.  —  Quarterly  Meeting  for  discipline;  —  lively,  to 
my  feelings. 

31s£. — Rose  early,  and  visited  the  School.  The  Friends 
were  warm  in  their  expressions  of  love  and  kindness, 
especially  some  of  the  younger  people.  I  expressed  a  few 
words  of  exhortation  after  the  reading.  Then  to  the 
closing  meeting  of  the  Quarterly  Meeting.  I  had  much 
desired  that,  through  submission,  and  a  simple  surrendering 
to  the  teachings  of  the  Spirit,  we  might  leave  this  meeting 
unburdened ;  and  this,  through  renewed  help  and  unmerited 
mercy,  was  permitted  to  us.  The  meeting  was  solemn,  and 
we  parted  under  the  influence  of  Gospel  love.  I  felt  as 
if  the  Spring  had  been  opened  among  us,  and  the  flow 
of  the  Spirit  was  more  to  be  felt,  both  immediately  and 
instrumentally,  than  has  often  been  the  case  in  this  land. 
Paid  several  farewell  visits,  and  distributed  books,  &c. 

Whilst  at  Mountmellick,  Priscilla  Gurney  re- 
ceived from  a  Christian  friend  in  Norfolk  the  fol- 
lowing letter;  to  which  she  returned  the  subjoined 
reply :  — 

17th  March. 

I  have  my  full  share  of  the  interest  which  your  labour 
of  love  cannot  fail  to  excite  in  the  minds  of  your  friends. 
All  that  hath  reached  me  since  your  departure  has  had  a 
direct  tendency  to  deepen  the  interest  that  the  first  decla- 
ration of  your  design  awakened.  Both  yourself  and  your 
excellent  fellow-worker  have  learned  how  to  regard  events 
that  make  large  demands  on  your  patience  and  submission  ; 
and  I  cannot  help  thinking  you  will  both  be  taught,  from 
the  circumstances  of  the  present  mission,  to  extract  a 
virtue  that  may  prove  singularly  cheering  in  the  after- 
stages  of  your  Christian  journey.  I  have  often  thought  I 


128  MEMOIR  OF   PRISCILLA   GURNEY.  [1818. 

should  be  glad  (if  overtaken  by  it  in  the  path  of  duty)  to 
undergo  the  terror  and  agitation  of  those  persons  who 
"reel  to  and  fro,  and  stagger  like  a  drunken  man,  and 
are  at  their  wits'  end,"  (Psalm  cvii.)  if  it  led  me  to  cry 
unto  the  Lord  in  my  trouble,  and  enabled  me  to  see  and 
feel,  and  know,  that  He  brought  me  out  of  my  distress. 

I  exceedingly  value  such  experience 

It  has  been  established  as  a  conviction  in  my  mind,  not 
only  that  every  work  of  faith  and  labour  of  love  is  accepted 
of  the  Saviour,  but  that  absolute  good  is  produced  by  each 
in  the  world,  whether  we  are  permitted  to  see  it  or  not. 
It  is  my  main  design  in  this  letter  to  tell  you  how  strongly 
I  am  persuaded  of  this  in  relation  to  your  arduous  visita- 
tion in  Ireland,  and  how  much  I  wish  you  may  both  of  you 
enjoy  the  same  conviction.  Seeming  impediments  are 
often  real  helps;  and  you  know,  my  dear  friends,  that 
Jacob  was  never  more  mistaken  in  his  life,  than  when,  in 
reference  to  some  dark  providences,  he  said,  "All  these 
things  are  against  me."  They  were,  in  fact,  all  for  him. 

Mountmcllick,  Third  Month  29th. 

MY  DEAR  FRIEND, 

Meetings,  readings,  greetings,  and  the  concourse  of 
Friends,  are  for  this  day  over,  and  I  am  very  tired  to 
answer  thy  acceptable  letter ;  but  it  was  too  much  a  word 
in  season  to  remain  unanswered.  Anna,  as  well  as  myself, 
were  cheered  by  thy  welcome  salutation  on  our  way.  We 
felt  thy  sympathy  and  thy  understanding  of  our  present 
situation  and  peculiar  trials,  as  a  refreshment.  I  feel 
grateful  for  such  a  remembrance  of  us  in  our  journeyings, 
and  in  our  separation  from  all  our  nearest  and  dearest 
friends.  I  think  I  have  seldom  felt  the  expression  of 
Christian  unity  and  sympathy  more  helpful  than  during 


1818.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  129 

our  engagements  in  this  country ;  and  to  believe  that  we 
have  the  good  desires,  and  sometimes  the  prayers,  of  our 
friends,  has  always  been  a  strength  and  a  consolation  to 
me ;  for  this  journey  has,  from  various  causes,  been  in  a 
peculiar  manner  an  exercise  to  faith  and  patience.  How 
very  much  do  I  unite  with  thee  in  all  thou  sayest  on  that 
subject ;  but  that  thou  wert  able  to  give  us  a  word  of  en- 
couragement and  a  little  exhortation,  so  applicable,  not 
only  to  our  present  situations,  but  to  our  present  feelings, 
was  very  comforting.  "  I  was  brought  low,  and  He  helped 
me,"  has  been  again  and  again  my  experience ;  and  as 
thou  sayest,  I  believe  it  is  well  to  be  brought  to  know  and 
to  feel  the  depth  of  our  own  unworthiness,  poverty,  weak- 
ness, and  helplessness,  that  we  may  truly  experience  the 
power,  love,  and  mercy  of  the  Redeemer.  But  to  be 
willing  to  be  brought  really  low,  and  to  be  truly  humbled, 
is  hard  work,  and  often  deeply  in  the  cross  to  our  natures. 
I  have  sometimes  earnestly  desired  that  the  various  con- 
flicts which,  from  within  and  from  without,  have  attended 
me  in  the  present  engagement,  may  be  a  means  of  bringing 
me  more  to  this  experience,  and  to  know  more  of  the  power 
and  love  of  Christ,  and  of  that  mercy  which  delivers  in 
the  time  of  need.  The  present  state  of  the  country,  and 
the  devastations  occasioned  by  the  fever,  have  certainly 
added  much  to  the  trial  of  our  faith.  Such  a  visitation  is 
awful  and  solemn,  and  ought  to  be  felt  so ;  it  ought  to 
bring  us  into  deep  feelings  for  others,  and  I  am  sure  it 
ought  to  raise  the  query  in  our  hearts  whether  we  also 
are  ready.  Though  the  first  impression  of  fear  is  a  good 
deal  passed  off,  and  I  hope  the  fever  has  subsided  in  many 
places,  yet  I  have  felt  the  seriousness  of  our  situation,  and 
I  think  I  have  sometimes  been  solemnly  impressed  with 
the  infinite  importance  of  a  preparation  for  such  a  change, 


130  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCTLLA  GURNET.  [1818. 

of  knowing  Christ  to  be,  through  faith  and  obedience,  our 
Resurrection  and  our  Life.  It  is  difficult  to  express  how 
I  have  longed,  for  myself  and  for  others,  an  establishment 
in  this  faith.  However  poor  and  however  limited  our 
services  may  be  in  this  land,  yet  we  have  never  had  to 
doubt  that  it  has  been  our  right  calling ;  we  have  never,  I 
think  I  may  say,  experienced  any  painful  misgivings  as  to 
the  guiding  Hand  that  hath  led  us  here.  This  is  an  inex- 
pressible favour,  and  reconciles  to  every  dispensation  ;  for 
we  know  that  the  consequences  and  the  fruits,  either  to 
ourselves  or  others,  are  no  more  at  our  command  than  the 
cause  which  led  us  forth.  We  must  endeavour  to  do  that 
which  our  hand  findeth  to  do,  and  we  may  leave  the  rest. 
Little  as  has  been  our  communication  with  the  people  in 
general,  yet  the  spiritual  bondage,  and  what  appears  to 
us  darkness,  which  I  fear  prevails  too  much,  is  deeply  to 
be  felt.  It  has  a  very  distressing  effect  on  the  mind,  and 
cannot  fail  of  raising  something  of  a  mourning  spirit  in 
the  heart.  It  is  humbling  to  be  able  to  administer  so 
little  to  the  help  of  others  in  their  distresses  and  needs. 
We  have  had  much  rough,  winterly,  and  stormy  weather, 
which  has  for  the  last  day  or  two  given  way  to  something 
of  the  sweet  feeling  of  Spring.  I  have  been  ready  to 
hope- also  that  we  have  been  permitted  to  taste  a  little  of 
this  sweetness  spiritually,  having  had  a  comfortable 
Quarterly  Meeting  at  this  place,  and  often  having  to  feel, 
lately,  something  of  that  peace  which  the  world  cannot 
give,  and  to  partake  of  a  little  refreshment  on  our  way. 

Proceeding  in  the  service,  they  visited  Mount- 
rath,  Roscrea,  &c.,  and  on  the  3rd  of  Fourth 
Month  arrived  at  Limerick. 

4:th.  —  A  day  of  rest. 


1818.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  131 

5th,  First-day.  —  A  laborious  day  spiritually;  many 
present  at  meeting.  After  very  earnestly  desiring  that 
we  might  be  brought  to  an  entire  dependence  on  our 
Guide  and  Helper,  these  words  presented  themselves  very 
impressively :  —  "  The  children  of  this  world  are  wiser  in 
their  generation  than  the  children  of  light ;  but  wisdom 
shall  be  justified  by  her  children."  I  had  a  little  to  un- 
fold how  it  is,  for  a  season,  that  the  children  of  this  world 
are  wiser  than  the  children  of  light  —  they  live  at  ease, 
they  may  enjoy  the  pleasures  of  sin,  they  avoid  the  cross, 
they  come  not  to  the  light.  We  cannot  understand  the 
end  of  the  ungodly  until  we  come,  like  David,  to  the 
sanctuary  of  the  Lord ;  then  we  know  that  their  end  is 
destruction,  without  hope.  But  how  different  the  "  chil- 
dren of  light!"  They  endure  the  cross  for  their  dear 
Lord  and  Master.  They  know  Him  to  be  their  Saviour, 
"  the  Lamb  of  God,  which  taketh  away  the  sin  of  the 
world."  We  cannot  judge  one  another ;  "  but  there  is 
One  that  judgeth."  Oh,  the  importance  of  coming  to 
the  light,  that  we  may  know  of  what  spirit  we  are  !  It 
has  been  my  allotment  in  life  to  experience  much  and 
almost  constant  self-mortification  —  I  doubt  not  a  needful 
refinement,  and  for  my  deeper  humiliation. 

On  the  6th  they  went  on  to  Cork  —  7th  to 
Youghal  —  meeting  there  and  returned  on  the  8th 
to  Cork ;  attending  the  Monthly  Meeting  on  the 
following  day,  of  which  P.  G.  remarks :  — 

It  was  not  a  little  weighty  to  our  feelings,  as  these 
large  meetings  generally  are.  On  the  text,  "  The  harvest 
truly  is  plenteous,"  &c.,  had  to  encourage  the  few  faithful 
labourers.  I  visited  H.  D.,  a  young  girl  in  the  last  stage 
of  consumption.  I  had  to  remind  those  present  with  her, 


132  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  [1818. 

and  to  feel  myself,  the  importance  of  becoming  as  little 
children,  without  which  we  cannot  enter  the  kingdom. 

First-day,  ~L2th.  —  The  prospect  of  this  day  was  un- 
commonly weighty  to  us  both.  But  we  have  again,  with 
humble  thankfulness,  to  acknowledge  the  help  afforded  in 
the  needful  time.  This  I  experienced  at  meeting,  when, 
through  great  mercy,  I  felt  more  than  usually  strength- 
ened to  deliver  what  was  given  me  to  communicate  on  the 
offices  of  the  Redeemer  :  —  "  When  He  ascended  up  on 
high  He  led  captivity  captive,  and  gave  gifts  unto  men." 
The  deliverance  offered  by  the  Saviour  from  the  captivity 
of  Satan,  from  the  bondage  of  corruption,  and  from  the 
spirit  of  this  world,  by  his  death,  resurrection,  and  ascen- 
sion. 

Examination.  — What  do  we  each  know  of  this  deliver- 
ance ? 

We  cannot  serve  two  masters  : — is  Christ  our  Master  ? 

Are  we  still  under  the  bondage  of  Satan,  &c.  ? 

Not  only  is  this  deliverance  experienced  through  the 
Redeemer,  but  he  givetJi  gifts  unto  men,  especially  the 
gifts  of  the  Spirit.  How  are  we  improving  these  talents 
unto  the  glory  of  our  Lord  and  Master  ?  Those  who  serve 
Christ  shall  be  with  Him  where  he  is.  We  were  favoured 
with  a  solemn  close  to  this  meeting,  and  the  spirit  of  sup- 
plication seemed  poured  forth.  It  was  trying  to  me  to 
have  to  speak  again  in  the  afternoon  meeting ;  but  I  could 
not  be  clear  without  addressing  a  few  words  of  encourage- 
ment to  those  who  were  travelling  through  the  wilderness  : 
"  These  forty  years  has  the  Lord  thy  God  led  thee  through 
the  wilderness,  to  humble  and  to  prove  thee."  I  visited 
on  her  deathbed  once  more  H.  D.,  and  had  to  supplicate 
for  her  that  her  transgressions  might  be  forgiven,  and  her 
spirit  so  purified,  that  it  might  return  to  God  who  gave  it. 


1818.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  133 

I  was  concerned  to  observe  at  Cork  the  number  of  children 
idle  and  unoccupied  about  the  streets. 

13^.  —  Comfortable  departure  from  Cork.  J.  A.  ac- 
companied us  to  Glanmire,  an  interesting-looking  village. 
Rode  to  J.  C.'s,  a  serious  character,  to  whom  I  brought  a 
letter.  It  was  comforting  to  meet  with  religious  people. 
I  believe  they  are  amongst  those  who  are  willing  to  labour 
for  the  good  of  the  poor  around  them.  There  are  many 
obstructions  and  discouragements  to  every  good  work  in 
this  country ;  but  we  know  there  is  a  power  that  can  re- 
move them  all.  I  long  to  have  the  young  people  among 
Friends  more  engaged  in  general  good  in  this  country. 

We  have  been  pleased  and  struck  with  the  affectionate 
manner  which  is  very  agreeably  conspicuous  in  the  Irish 
towards  each  other.  The  poor  have  this  characteristic. 
We  have  also  remarked  much  of  the  appearance  of  happi- 
ness and  harmony  in  the  domestic  life  among  "Friends." 

The  travellers  visited  some  interesting  families 
on  their  route  to  Clonmel,  attending  also  the  meet- 
ing at  Garry  roan,  from  which  place  they  proceeded 
to  Anner  Mills,  where,  says  P.  G.,  "  we  were  kindly 
received  by  S.  G.  and  her  daughters." 

1.6th.  —  Meeting  at  Clonmel.  The  effect  of  our  finding 
ourselves  among  so  many  deeply  experienced  Friends, 
though  very  comforting,  was,  at  first,  depressing  to  my 
spirits.  I  had  to  speak  on  the  invitation  still  going  forth 
to  the  Church, — "  The  Spirit  and  the 'bride  say  come,"  &c. 
Dined  at  Suir  Island  School,  a  very  interesting  establish- 
ment. I  like  very  much  the  general  plan  of  the  schools 
in  Ireland.  The  whole  community  are  more  as  of  one 
12 


134  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  [1818. 

family  than  in  England.*  Much  watchful  care  is  extended 
towards  the  dear  children  in  this  institution.  Anna  spoke 
encouragingly  to  them  after  dinner,  and  I  had  to  pour  out 
a,  little  of  my  oppressed  spirit  for  ourselves,  and  more 
especially  for  this  large  family,  under  a  fresh  and  com- 
forting belief  that  none  shall  seek  the  face  of  the  Lord 
in  vain. 

11th. — Dined  with  J.  and  S.  G.  They  are  truly  valua- 
ble Friends  ;  but  I  felt  a  little  restrained  with  them.  How 
necessary  it  is,  in  all  companies,  and  under  every  influ- 
ence, still  to  have  our  eye  single  to  our  dear  Lord  and 
Master. 

18th.  —  The  select  Quarterly  Meeting.  The  evening 
spent  with  S.  C.,  the  teacher  at  Suir  Island :  very  satis- 
factory communications  on  the  religious  instruction  of 
children. 

First-day,  19th. — The  morning  meeting  was  trying.  I 
felt  rather  distressed  after  it.  But  the  afternoon,  in  a 
measure,  dispelled  these  clouds. 

Second-day. — Quarterly  Meeting  for  discipline  —  lively 
and  satisfactory.  When  the  queries  were  gone  through,  I 
had  to  speak  on  these  words, — "  The  weapons  of  our  war- 
fare are  not  carnal,  but  spiritual,"  and  on  the  Christian 
fight,  and  on  the  armour  of  God. 

Third-day.  —  An  interesting  meeting  for  worship  and 
conclusion  to  the  Quarterly  Meeting.  How  important  it 
is,  under  all  circumstances,  to  look  with  a  single  eye  unto 
the  Lord,  for  this  only  gives  a  feeling  of  peace.  I  had  to 
enlarge  on  these  words,  —  "Whatever  thy  hand  findeth  to 
do,  do  it  with  thy  might,"  and  on  the  importance  of  doing 
the  day's  work  in  the  day-time,  working  out  our  own  sal- 
vation, and  seeking  for  reconciliation  with  God  through 

*  This  may  not  apply  in  the  present  day.  — Ed. 

• 


1818.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  135 

the  Redeemer,  and  thus  becoming  as  lively  stones  in  the 
spiritual  house  of  the  Lord.  In  much  natural  fear,  but 
in  a  little  faith,  I  had  to  supplicate  that  the  Lord  might 
be  pleased  still  to  build  up  his  Church.  After  meeting, 
called  on  the  M.'s  —  a  sweet  family  of  young  women  who 
had  lost  their  mother  in  early  life.  In  the  afternoon  to 
the  mill,  to  a  little  school,  and  one  of  the  cottages. 

22d. — A  solemn  parting  with  the  family  at  Anner  Mills. 

23d.  —  Meeting  at  Carlow.  Had  to  enlarge  on  the 
words,  —  "Receive  with  meekness  the  ingrafted  Word, 
which  is  able  to  save  your  souls."  This  Word  is  the  power 
of  an  endless  life  —  the  power  of  God  unto  salvation.  I 
felt  this  subject,  the  living  principle  of  Friends,  open 
before  me  with  much  clearness,  and  had  to  express  my 
earnest  desire  that  nothing  of  ourselves,  our  own  wisdom 
and  wills,  might  obstruct  the  dominion  of  this  ingrafted 
Word,  which  not  only  changes  the  heart,  but  leads  to  that 
knowledge  of  God  and  of  Christ  which  is  life  eternal. 
Had  some  communication  with  the  master  of  the  school 
on  the  religious  instruction  of  his  boys,  to  my  relief.  A 
meeting  at  Ballitore ;  then  to  Dublin  on  the  24th.  In 
reviewing  the  time  passed  since  we  last  left  Dublin,  and 
in  remembering  our  various  exercises,  I  have  felt  how  we 
are  called  upon  to  return  thanks  unto  the  Lord,  who,  in 
all  our  difficulties  and  conflicts,  through  all  our  fears  and 
great  weakness,  hath  hitherto  helped  us ;  and  may  it 
lead  us  still  to  trust  in  Him,  in  whom  is  u  everlasting 
strength." 

First-day,  2Qth.  —  The  Yearly  Meeting.  S.  G.  spoke 
on  the  necessity  of  coming  before  the  Lord  in  an  humble 
state  of  mind,  to  which  I  added  a  few  words  from  this 
text, — "  Thou  sayest  that  thou  art  rich  and  increased  with 
goods,  &c.,  and  knowest  not  that  thou  art  wretched  and 
poor,"  £c. 


136  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA  GURNET.  [1818. 

28th.  —  I  felt  bound  to  lay  my  concern  before  the  meet- 
ing on  the  religious  education  of  children.  Though  my 
views  on  this  important  subject  do  not,  I  believe,  and  have 
to  feel,  fully  unite  with  those  of  some  deeply  experienced 
Friends,  yet  it  is  still  a  burden  which  I  have  to  bear,  and 
I  desire  only  to  look  with  a  single  eye  to  what  may,  through 
the  Spirit,  be  required  of  me,  and  I  hope  to  bear,  with  a 
submissive  mind,  the  pains  and  humiliations  which  I  some- 
times have  to  experience. 

29th. —  Rose  early,  and  was  engaged  with  dear  S.  G.  in 
writing  an  epistle  to  the  meetings  of  Friends  in  Ireland. 

Fifth  Month  1st. — Closing  meeting.  Visit  to  the  men's 
meeting,  under  much  weight  and  cross  to  my  own  will.  I 
had  to  express  my  fear  lest  there  should  be  such  a  spirit, ' 
still  prevailing  in  too  many,  which  would  "  crucify  the  Son 
of  God  afresh."  With  encouragement  to  those  who, 
through  all  conflicts  and  trials,  have  sought  to  uphold  the 
holy  cause  of  the  Redeemer.  They  may  rejoice  ;  although 
they  now  suffer  for  Christ,  yet  "  when  his  glory  shall  be 
revealed/'  they  "  shall  be  glad  also  with  exceeding  joy." 
If  sons  are  still  given  us  for  prophets,  and  young  men  for 
Nazarites,  the  importance  of  watchfulness  against  that 
spirit  whtch  would  say  unto  the  prophets,  prophesy  not, 
and  would  give  the  young  men  wine  to  drink.  Farewell 
in  the  women's  meeting.  lie  that  is  faithful  in  that  which 
is  least,  shall  be  made  ruler  over  much. 

^First-day,  3cZ.  —  This  was  a  solemn  day  to  me  :  I  felt 
the  seriousness  of  the  prospect  of  departure  from  our 
friends.  On  reviewing  the  exercises  of  our  journey  in  the 
afternoon  meeting,  I  had  to  address  a  few  words  to  several 
states  in  the  body.  To  the  faithful :  "  Comfort  ye,  com- 
fort ye  my  people,  saith  your  God.  Speak  ye  comfortably 
to  Jerusalem,  cry  unto  her  that  her  warfare  is  accom- 


1818.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  137 

plished,  her  iniquity  is  pardoned."  The  security  and 
consolation  of  the  faithful :  they  know  that  "  there  is  no 
condemnation  to  them  which  are  in  Christ  Jesus  !"  "  Fear 
not,  little  flock ;  for  it  is  your  Father's  good  pleasure  to 
give  you  the  kingdom." 

To  the  wavering,  doubting  spirit :  "  Oh,  thou  of  little 
faith,  wherefore  dost  thou  doubt  ?" 

Applied  to  the  faint-hearted  :  "  If  thou  wouldst  believe, 
thou  shouldst  see  the  salvation  of  God." 

To  the  rebellious  :  "  They  dwell  in  a  dry  land,  they  build 
upon  the  sand,"  when  the  floods,  &c.,  beat  against  their 
house  it  must  fall. 

The  Spirit  is  still  saying  "  Come,"  to  the  faithful  by 
encouragement,  to  the  faithless  by  warning,  to  the  rebel- 
lious by  reproof  and  instruction. 

I  had  to  add  our  petitions,  though  very  weak  and  very 
unworthy,  not  only  for  the  people,  but  for  the  children 
wherever  they  may  be  scattered  in  this  land,  that  they  may 
know  Christ  to  be  their  Redeemer  and  Shepherd. 

For  those  who  still  sit  in  darkness,  as  in  the  shadow  of 
death,  for  the  sick  especially,  and  that  many  may  be  added 
to  the  kingdom  of  God  and  the  Lamb. 

4ith.  —  Left  Dublin  for  Kilconnor.  A  sweet  Spring 
morning.  I  walked  before  breakfast,  enjoying  the  lovely 
views  of  the  country.  At  the  meeting,  I  had  to  speak  on 
that  text  of  James  which  enjoins  that  the  rich  should 
rejoice  when  they  are  brought  low  in  spirit.  Happy  for 
those  who,  if  they  be  rich  in  this  world,  are  humbled 
under  the  mighty  hand  of  God,  so  that  Christ  may  reign 
over  them.  Anna  expressed  her  fear  lest  there  should  be 
in  some  a  desire  to  be  inheritors  of  two  kingdoms :  this  not 
compatible  with  the  gospel  dispensation.  I  had  to  suppli- 


138  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNEY.  [1818. 

cate  that  if  the  "friendship  of  the  world"  be  "enmity 
with  God,"  our  affections  might  be  more  truly  set  on  things 
above. 

6th.  —  Meeting  at  Ballitore  :  sweetly  situated  among  the 
trees.  Had  to  encourage  the  faithful  few.  In  the  after- 
noon to  Cooladine,  to  Thomas  Thompson's,  an  Elder,  living 
in  much  true  simplicity  in  a  nice  farm-house,  with  a  sweet 
family.*  We  enjoyed  a  quiet  evening  with  them. 

1th. — Meeting  at  Cooladine, — a  sweet  feeling  prevailed. 
The  language  of  encouragement  flowed  towards  the  faith- 
ful remnant  who  still  seem  to  keep  their  places  here. 
Came  forward  to  Enniscorthy,  —  meeting  there  in  the 
evening,  —  a  considerable  number  present,  Friends  and 
their  neighbours,  to  whom  I  felt  drawn  to  address  the  lan- 
guage of  our  Redeemer,  —  "  Come  unto  me,  all  ye  that 
labour  and  are  heavy-laden,  and  I  will  give  you  rest !"  with 
encouragement  to  come  and  partake  of  the  consolations 
of  Christ. 

St h.  —  Rose  early  and  proceeded  to  Forest  meeting, 
which  was  laborious  and  our  exercise  weighty.  This  was 
the  language  that  impressed  me  (to  utter  amongst  them), 
"  The  hour  is  coming,  and  now  is,  when  the  dead  shall 
hear  the  voice  of  the  Son  of  God,  and  shall  come  forth." 
"They  that  have  done  well,  unto  the  resurrection  of  life; 
but  they  that  have  done  evil,  to  the  resurrection  of  con- 
demnation." The  importance  and  necessity  of  consider- 
ing our  latter  end,  and  of  a  preparation  for  it,  through 

*  Two  of  the  children  of  this  valued  Friend  —  a  son  and  a 
daughter  —  from  motives  of  disinterested  philanthropy,  accompa- 
nied Hannah  Kilham  in  a  visit  to  Africa.  The  young  man,  John 
Thompson,  of  pious  character,  sank  under  the  influence  of  fever, 
whilst  labouring  for  the  benefit  of  the  native  population.  —  ED. 


1818.]  MEMOIR  OF   PRISCILLA   GURNEY.  139 

a  living  and  experimental  knowledge  of  the  Saviour. 
Afternoon,  came  on  to  S.  E.'s  at  Ross;  at  meeting  there 
had  to  unfold  the  different  states  of  the  religious  and  the 
ungodly. 

9th. — To  Waterford,  drank  tea  with  J.  S.  and  his  wife, — 
had  a  few  words  to  say  on  bringing  up  the  little  children 
in  the  simplicity  of  the  truth. 

First-day,  10th. —  Rose  early,  and  prepared  for  visiting 
the  school.  Morning  meeting  large.  There  was  some 
feeling  of  real  encouragement ;  but  I  had  to  speak  closely 
on  the  state  of  some  there,  from  the  text,  "  We  are  the 
circumcision  who  worship  God  in  the  spirit,  rejoice  in 
Christ  Jesus,  and  have  no  confidence  in  the  flesh."  This 
was  our  standard  and  profession  from  the  beginning  ;  but 
we  have  cause  for  humiliation  and  contrition  in  such  an 
evident  departure  from  it.  With  J.  W.  to  the  Provincial 
School  at  Newtown,  —  an  interesting  visit.  Afternoon 
meeting  solemn  and  relieving.  At  this,  the  last  oppor- 
tunity in  Ireland,  I  was  enabled  to  commend  our  dear 
Friends,  whether  present  or  absent,  and  of  every  class, 
to  the  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus.  Then  it  seemed  to  us 
that  our  services  in  the  land  were  finished,  and  we  were 
set  free. 

llth.  —  Left  Waterford.  Lodged  at  Blenheim.  Many 
Friends  accompanied  us  to  the  packet.  We  parted  from 
them  in  much  love.  Voyage  to  Milford  of  twenty  hours. 
We  felt  constrained  to  remain  with  our  dear  Friends  there 
during  the  next  day. 

15th.— To  Brecon. 

16th. — To  Gloucester.  After  the  meeting  there,  I  parted 
from  my  dear  companion,  which  I  felt  much,  after  all  we 
had  passed  through  together.  Proceeded  with  my  friend 


140  MEMOIR   OF   PR1SCILLA   GURNET.  [1818. 

Samuel  Elly  to  London,  and  attended  the  Yearly  Meeting 
there. 


On  reaching  home  she  addressed  the  following 
letter  to  a  Friend  :  — 


Earlham,  Sixth  Month  10th,  1818. 

Though  I  have  had  much  comfort  and  enjoyment  in 
meeting  all  my  dear  friends  again,  yet  the  pressure  of 
engagements  and  interests  during  my  stay  in  and  about 
London  was  sometimes  rather  overcoming  to  me,  and  at 
last  I  felt  so  much  exhausted  that  the  rest  of  home  was 
peculiarly  desirable  to  me.  It  was  an  interesting,  and,  I 
think,  encouraging  Yearly  Meeting :  there  appeared  to  me 
real  cause  for  comfort  in  the  state  of  the  Society.  I  had 
not  much  part  to  take  in  any  way,  which  was  a  relief  to 
me  ;  I  went  to  none  of  the  Committees,  and  was  thoroughly 
disposed  to  retire  into  the  back-ground.  It  is  a  good  thing, 
and  I  never  felt  it  more  than  at  this  Yearly  Meeting,  that 
there  is  that  spirit  in  the  Society  which  leads  to  watching 
over  one  another  for  good :  if  it  be  kept  under  the  right 
influence  it  is  an  invaluable  safeguard.  Individually,  I 
passed  along  very  much  unnoticed ;  I  felt  neither  encou- 
ragement nor  discouragement  from  others.  I  sometimes 
fear  falling  into  a  flat,  indifferent  state,  about  myself;  I 
feel  there  is  a  danger  of  it,  from  my  circumstances,  and 
from  the  tendency  of  my  own  mind.  I  have  had  hardly 
time  to  dwell  much  on  our  late  interesting  journey ;  but, 
on  returning  home,  I  feel  afresh  sensible  of  the  great  cause 
we  have  for  thankfulness  in  having  been  carried  through 
our  various  exercises  and  conflicts.  I  have  felt  very  much 
without  a  burden  on  reflecting  on  our  little  exercises  in 


1818.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNEY.  141 

Ireland,  and  the  feeling  of  peace,  I  really  believe,  does 
rest  upon  it.  This  is  an  unspeakable,  and  I  do  sometimes 
feel,  an  unmerited  favour.  It  is  a  privilege  to  have  been 
so  sweetly  and  so  nearly  united  as  I  trust  we  were  in  this 
service.  There  are  few  things  I  more  earnestly  desire  to 
attain  than  that  spirit  of  love  which  would  lead  to  still 
more  unreserved  rejoicing  with  those  that  rejoice,  as  well 
as  mourning  with  those  that  mourn. 


142  MEMOIR  OF   PRISCILLA  GURNET.  [1818. 


CHAPTER    III. 

1818-1819. 

.Religious  and  Philanthropic  Engagements  in  Norfolk  —  Compiles 
Volume  of  Hymns  —  Correspondence — Health  fails — Much  exer- 
tion in  Schools,  Prisons,  etc.  —  Attends  the  Yearly  Meeting  in 
London  —  A  continuance  of  Declining  Health  —  Visits  Upton  — 
Serious  Attack  of  Illness  there — Removes  to  the  Isle  of  Wight — 
Winter  there — Correspondence. 

SOON  after  her  return  home,  Priscilla  Gurney 
visited  the  families  of  Friends  of  Norwich  and  Yar- 
mouth. After  the  conclusion  of  this  engagement, 
she  reviews  the  lengthened  period  of  religious  ser- 
vice in  which  she  had  been  employed,  and  adds:  — 

It  has  been  truly  a  time  of  probation  to  me,  —  one  of 
much  deep  inward  exercise  and  conflict.  Though  much 
brightness  has  not  been  my  allotment,  yet  I  have  often 
felt,  and  have  cause  gratefully  to  acknowledge,  the  "Ever- 
lasting Arm"  to  be  underneath,  and  that  the  grace  of  the 
Lord  Jesus  is  still  sufficient  for  every  service  to  which  He 
is  Himself  pleased  to  call  us. 

The  ensuing  winter  was  spent  at  Earlham,  but 
it  was  closely  occupied  in  the  fulfilment  of  many 
social  and  religious  duties.  Priscilla  Gurney  de- 
voted some  portions  of  her  retirement  to  the  com- 
pilation of  an  excellent  little  volume  of  hymns, — 


1818.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  143 

consisting  of  selections  from  many  pious  authors, 
and  of  some  instructive  pieces  never  before  pub- 
lished. She  designed  it  particularly  for  the  benefit 
of  young  persons  of  the  Society  of  Friends, — but 
it  is  calculated  to  edify  true  Christians  of  every 
class. 

Before  the  close  of  the  year  1818,  the  health  of 
this  devoted  servant  of  Christ  showed  symptoms 
of  declining  vigour,  yet  not  sufficiently  marked  to 
excite  in  the  minds  of  her  family  any  serious  ap- 
prehensions. During  the  Autumn  she  laboured 
diligently.  In  conjunction  with  her  beloved  bro- 
ther Joseph  John  Gurney,  she  held  some  appointed 
meetings  with  different  classes  of  the  Friends  of 
Norwich.  Alluding  to  this  engagement,  she 
says :  — 

I  had  felt  the  service  in  prospect  very  weighty.  "We 
were  carried  through  to  our  own  relief,  though  I  have  had 
to  feel  lately  as  if  my  little  measure  of  religious  labour 
were  almost  run  out.  To  the  parents,  I  had  to  express 
my  sense  of  the  great  importance  of  being  faithful  to  our 
stewardship,  —  that  of  parents  being  one  of  weight  and 
responsibility,  —  they  are  called  upon  to  watch  over  the 
souls  of  their  children  for  good,  to  train  them  for  an 
heavenly  inheritance.  There  is  much  danger  of  a  worldly 
spirit  creeping  in  amongst  us,  —  of  the  cross  of  our  dear 
Redeemer  being  rejected.  The  meeting  with  the  young 
people  was  very  satisfactory.  I  had  to  address  them  on 
the  words  of  the  apostle,  "  I  have  no  greater  joy  than  to 
hear  that  my  children  walk  in  Truth,"  and  on  the  com- 


144  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  [1818. 

forts  and  privileges  of  those,  especially  in  early  life,  who 
are  indeed  walking  in  the  Truth  as  it  is  in  Christ  Jesus ; 
with  warning  lest  any  should  be  led  from  the  Truth  by  the 
spirit  of  the  world,  and  by  the  temptations  of  the  adver- 
sary of  our  souls'  salvation. 

On  the  3rd  of  Eighth  Month,  J.  H.  and  his  daughter 
paid  us  an  acceptable  and  strengthening  visit.  On  First- 
day,  in  the  forenoon  meeting,  he  unfolded,  in  a  few  words, 
his  own  experience  in  being  brought,  through  mental  suf- 
fering and  conflict,  to  obedience  and  consequently  to 
peace ;  quoting,  — "  Be  thou  faithful  unto  death,  and  I 
will  give  thee  a  crown  of  life."  After  I  had  added  some 
expressions  on  our  supplications  being  offered  in  faith,  J. 
H.  spoke  of  the  badge  of  discipleship,  love,  which  he  be- 
lieved was  permitted  to  be  our  covering. 

4th.  —  J.  H.  left  us  after  expressing  his  feelings  very 
sweetly  to  us  collectively,  speaking  of  the  precious  com- 
munications which  we  had  been  permitted  to  enjoy  together. 
He  said  that  after  partaking  of  angels'  food  we  must  be 
content  to  hunger  and  to  abstain. 

I  attended  the  Workhouse  Committee.  We  came  to 
the  conclusion  to  have  a  First-day  School  opened  there. 
I  have  particularly  desired  that  the  blessing  of  the  Lord 
might  rest  on  our  undertaking. 

5th.  —  A  sweet  meeting.  Encouragement  to  the  few 
who  are  willing  to  forsake  their  worldly  interests  and  to 
gather  together  in  the  name  of  the  Lord.  He  will  still 
be  with  all  such. 

1th.  —  We  heard  the  affecting  account  of  the  death  of 
dearest  Louisa's  little  girl,  —  this  is  a  close  trial  and  a 
heartfelt  sorrow,  and  I  feel  very  near  and  tender  sympathy 
with  our  beloved  sister ;  but  I  trust  and  earnestly  desire 


1818.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  145 

that  it. may  be  for  her  good,  and  for  the  good  of  all  of  us, 
to  be  thus  exercised. 

8th.  —  At  Norwich  with  my  school  children.  Then  to 
Ipswich,  to  meet  Stephen  Grellet  and  William  Allen, 
before  their  departure  for  the  continent. 

Here  she  penned  the  following  letter  to  her 
sister  Louisa  Hoare,  dated,  Ipswich,  Eighth  Month 
10th:  — 

I  need  hardly  say  how  deeply  and  tenderly  I  feel  for 
thee.  I  long  to  be  with  thee.  I  have  the  most  lively 
participation  with  thee  in  every  trial, — indeed  we  may 
truly  say,  "  If  one  member  suffer,  all  the  members  suffer 
with  it."  Thou  hast  been  continually  on  my  mind.  I 
have  a  strong  hope  that  thou  wilt  be  comforted  and  sup- 
ported in  this  close  trial,  and  be  strengthened  to  bear  it 
with  resignation  and  composure.  I  have  passed  through 
many  conflicts  within  the  last  year  or  two,  and  have  so 
deeply  felt  life  to  be  disappointing  in  itself  that  my  mind 
is  prepared  to  expect  suffering  to  be  often  our  allotment 
here ;  and  I  also  feel  how  much  we  need  suffering  to  keep 
us  in  a  humble,  submissive  frame  of  mind:  therefore,  I 
desire  to  be  more  and  more  willing  to  accept  it  with  resig- 
nation for  myself,  and  for  those  most  near  and  dear  to  me; 
though  in  some  respects  it  seems  harder  to  feel  this  resig- 
nation for  others  than  for  ourselves.  My  heart  is  indeed 
with  you ;  I  have  a  most  comfortable  hope  that  you  will  all 
be  helped  through  from  day  to  day.  How  desirable  it  is 
for  us,  at  all  times,  and  more  especially  in  times  of  trial, 
to  endeavour  not  to  look  beyond  the  present  day ;  and  I 
hope,  my  dearest  Louisa,  this  will  be  tluj  experience,  and 
I  do  indeed  believe  that  "as  thy  day  is,  so  shall  thy 
strength  be." 
13 


146  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA    GURNET.  [1818. 

First-day,  9th.  —  This  was  one  of  those  deeply  interest- 
ing and  instructive  occasions  not  soon  to  he  forgotten. 
The  meetings  might  truly  he  said  to  he  edifying.  Stephen 
Grellet  spoke  in  a  striking  manner  on  the  text,  "  The  Lord 
is  with  you  while  ye  be  with  him,"  beautifully  exemplified 
by  the  history  of  Asa.  Also  on  the  necessity  and  blessed- 
ness of  holding  fast  the  beginning  of  our  confidence  sted- 
fast  unto  the  end ;  illustrated  by  the  circumstances  of 
John  the  Baptist:  concluding  by  a  most  beautiful,  im- 
pressive and  affecting  address,  in  which  he  expressed  his 
love  to  the  gospel;  to  his  fellow -creatures  everywhere; 
encouraging  also  the  tried  servants  of  the  Lord  to  hold 
fast  unto  the  end.  In  the  evening  we  were  again  gathered 
into  a  solemn  silence  before  the  Lord,  and  permitted  to 
enjoy  something  of  a  holy  communion  in  Christ,  and  we 
parted  under  the  sweet  cementing  influence  of  the  love  of 
God. 

11th.  —  Returned  home  from  Ipswich. 

l'2th.  — We  had  all  the  boys  of  the  Lancasterian  School 
to  dinner. 

Eighth  Month  13th. — Widow  F.'s  funeral.  I  was 
made  sensible  of  the  solemnity  and  awfulness  of  death,  at 
whatever  period  it  may  arrive. 

16t h.  —  To  the  Workhouse  School  in  the  morning. 
How  do  I  increasingly  see  the  necessity  of  seeking  for 
the  Divine  blessing  on  all  our  objects  of  interest.  I  some- 
times feel  a  deep  concern  for  myself  and  others,  that  we 
may  have  life  in  Christ.  I  long  for  us  to  be  aroused  from 
sleep,  and  this  was  so  much  impressed  on  my  mind  this 
morning,  that  I  had  to  express  a  few  words  on  our  Lord's 
warning  exhortation,  —  "  Lest  coming  suddenly  He  find 
you  sleeping."  The  awfulness  of  being  found  in  this 
spiritual  sleep,  in  this  careless,  unrepenting  state,  should 


1818.]  MEMOIR   OF   PKISCILLA   GURNEY.  147 

the  Judge  of  all  the  earth  call  for  us  to  appear  before  his 
judgment  -  seat !  Oh,  that  our  prayers  may  be  offered 
more  and  more  in  faith!  Then  may  we  still  hope,  though 
discouragements  abound,  "  to  see  the  salvation  of  our 
God."  It  is  a  deep  and  solemn  service  to  be  engaged, 
though  in  ever  so  small  a  measure,  in  promoting  the 
Lord's  salvation  in  the  souls  of  others.  Our  Lord  only 
knows  the  conflicts,  the  spiritual  travail,  and  the  desire  of 
his  poor  unworthy  servants  thus  engaged,  and  how  deeply 
they  are  brought  to  feel  that  the  work,  the  spirit,  and  the 
life  are  his,  and  that  they  have  nothing  of  themselves 
wherewith  they  may  promote  his  holy  cause. 

Adult  School  in  the  evening,  &c.  My  life  is  full ;  but 
the  grace  of  the  Lord  can  alone  make  it  fruitful  to  myself 
and  others. 

Vltli.  —  I  feel  daily  and  hourly  the  need  of  drawing 
nearer  unto  the  Lord  —  of  seeking  to  live  in  near  com- 
munion with  my  Saviour.  This  will  and  does  supply  every 
void  —  this  makes  the  wilderness  to  blossom  like  the  rose. 
The  manifestations  of  the  love  of  Christ  as  our  Redeemer, 
have  at  times  of  late  been  bright  and  comforting  to  me 
under  every  tribulation. 

First-day,  2Srd.  —  I  had  to  say  a  few  words  on  our 
Lord's  declaration,  —  "  He  that  is  not  with  us  is  against 
us,"  &c.  In  the  afternoon,  —  "Except  ye  become  as 
little  children,  ye  shall  in  no  wise  enter  into  the  kingdom 
of  Heaven."  Spoke  on  the  unity  of  the  Spirit,  the 
source  from  which  this  unity  springs,  simple  devotedness 
to  the  Lord,  that  which  destroys  the  principle  of  self  in 
the  heart,  —  on  following  the  Lord  Jesus  rather  than  the 
"prince  of  the  power  of  the  air." 

24f/i.  —  My  uncle  B.  died  rather  suddenly:  his  end  ap- 
peared peaceful.  How  often  do  we  find  the  words  of  the 


148  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURJTEY.  [1818. 

psalmist  verified,  —  "  Behold  the  upright,  for  the  end  of 
that  man  is  peace." 

Ninth  Month  2nd.  —  My  uncle  B.'s  funeral.  I  felt  the 
occasion ;  it  "was  a  very  exercising  and  heart-searching 
time :  I  was  brought  most  sensibly  to  feel  the  importance 
of  "  loving  the  praise  of  God"  more  than  the  praise  of 
men  ;  I  was  constrained  to  break  the  silence  of  the  meet- 
ing by  a  few  words  of  the  apostle,  —  "In  Christ  Jesus 
neither  circumcision  availeth  anything  nor  uncircumcision, 
but  a  new  creature."  It  is  this  which  can  prepare  us  for 
the  awful  change  from  mortality  to  immortality; — if  we 
are  indeed  in  Christ  Jesus,  and  know  him  to  be  our 
Saviour,  we  must  be  born  again. 

LETTER   TO    "  M.  Y." 

Tenth  Month,  1818. 

I  often  feel  it  of  great  importance  that  these  events, 
which  bring  the  reality  of  death  to  our  view,  should  not 
pass  away  unimproved,  —  that  they  should  be  teaching  us 
the  lesson  of  having  our  affections  set  on  things  above. 
These  events  make  a  strong  impression  on  our  natural 
feelings  ;  but  there  is  a  danger,  without  watchfulness  and 
prayer,  of  their  passing  away  without  that  influence  on 
our  hearts  and  lives  which,  we  may  fully  believe,  is  in- 
tended by  the  trials  and  afflictions  of  life.  In  such 
scenes,  (witnessing  death),  the  truth  as  well  as  the  power 
of  religion  and  of  the  gospel  dispensations  are  often 
mercifully  manifested.  It  is  thus  that  the  season  of  afflic- 
tion becomes  blessed  and  sanctified  to  us ! 

TO    HEK    COUSIN    MARIA   FOX. 

Earlham,  Eleventh  Month  llth,  1818. 

I  wish  much  to  know  whether  you  have  adopted  my  plan 
of  religious  instruction  with  the  children  in  your  meeting. 


1818.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNEY.  149 

There  are  many  Friends  and  deeply  feeling  minds  who  are 
much  on  the  cautious  side  of  the  question ;  and  this,  I  have 
no  doubt,  is  well ;  but  with  caution  and  watchfulness, 
seeking  to  move  and  to  act  under  the  right  influence,  I  am 
(and  I  believe  many  others  also,)  convinced  of  the  great 
importance  of  religious  care  and  instruction  in  early  life, 
and  that,  in  spiritual  things  as  well  as  natural,  we  are 
called  upon  to  be  endeavouring  to  sow  the  seed,  though  we 
know,  and  must  always  deeply  feel,  that  we  can  never  add 
the  blessing  and  give  the  increase.  I  feel,  I  hope,  truly 
thankful  in  being  permitted  really  to  settle  at  home,  having 
no  other  defined  prospect  before  me.  We  do  indeed  expe- 
rience that  we  serve  no  hard  Master,  and  that  He  does 
not  call  upon  us  to  do  more  than  He  enables  us  to  perform. 
I  have  felt  this  very  sensibly  in  being  so  much  released 
from  religious  service,  and  in  being  allowed  the  enjoyment 
and  rest  of  settling  once  more  at  home.  In  the  last  two 
years  I  have  had  so  much  travelling,  so  many  exercises  of 
mind  and  body,  that  now  to  be  set  free,  which  I  think  will 
probably  be  the  case  for  a  long  time,  (according  to  my 
present  feelings,)  is  indeed  an  unspeakable  favour,  and 
calls  for  humble  thankfulness.  I  do  not  know  when,  if 
ever,  I  have  felt  so  much  comfort,  enjoyment,  and  peace 
in  my  own  home.  I  long  to  have  my  heart  made  more 
and  more  sensible  of  the  many  mercies  bestowed,  not  only 
upon  me,  but  also  upon  those  who  are  most  dear  and  near 

to  me.    How  is  dear ?    The  more  she  is  made  willing 

to  give  up  all  to  follow  Christ,  the  more  I  am  persuaded 
she  will  experience  a  peace  which  the  world  cannot  give. 
If  life  be  a  wilderness,  the  saving  and  experimental  know- 
ledge of  Christ  makes  it  at  times  to  blossom  as  the  rose : 
and  whether  we  abound  or  suffer  need,  as  to  the  things  of 

O 

time,  there  is  a  joy  and  peace  in  believing,  for  those  who 
13* 


150  MEMOIK   OF    FRISCILLA   GURNEY.  [1818. 

cannot  be  satisfied  with  merely  temporal  things:  and  I 
often  increasingly  desire  that  we  may  seek  more  earnestly 
for  the  attainment  of  that  knowledge  of  the  true  God  and 
of  Jesus  Christ,  which  is  u life  eternal"  How  very  im- 
portant it  is,  that  Friends  should  in  the  present  day  keep 
their  places  rightly,  keeping  near  to  the  life,  and  abiding 
in  Christ;  this,  and  this  alone,  will  enable  them  still  to 
be  as  lights  in  the  world. 

Ninth  Month  \Wi.  —  Much  inward  depression  was  the 
covering  of  my  spirit  during  this  day.  How  deeply  do  I 
feel  my  own  unworthiness  when  partaking  of  so  many 
blessings  !  I  long  for  deliverance  from  this  bondage  of 
spirit ;  but  whilst  it  continues  so  much  and  so  often  to  be 
my  portion,  may  it  be  an  humbling  lesson  to  me.  At  the 
morning  meeting  I  had  to  express  the  language  of  the  poor 
woman, — "  If  I  may  but  touch  the  hem  of  his  garment,  I 
shall  be  made  whole."  We  do,  indeed,  feel  that,  unless 
we  approach  the  Saviour,  and  partake  of  his  virtue  and 
power,  we  cannot  be  healed. 

Third-day,  22d. — Quarterly  Meeting  —  comfortable  and 
peaceful.  I  had  to  offer  the  language  of  exhortation  from 
the  text  in  Revelations,  "  Be  watchful,  and  strengthen  the 
things  that  remain,"  &c.  In  the  meeting  for  discipline  I 
made  the  proposition  to  open  a  school  in  this  county  for 
the  children  of  Friends,  which  was  well  received. 

24M. — Visit  to  the  hospital,  which  was  interesting,  and 
on  the  whole  satisfactory. 

First-day,  21th. — A  comfortable  day  to  me.  I  have  had 
of  late  more  serenity  of  mind,  more  rest  and  peace,  which 
is  an  unspeakable  favour.  The  meetings  were  solemn.  I 
felt  an  earnest  desire  that  we  might  be  brought  to  under- 
stand, savingly,  the  mystery  of  God's  salvation  through 
Jesus  Christ. 


1818.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  151 

First-day,  Tenth  Month  4th. —  Had  to  say  a  few  words 
on  the  prophetical  declaration, — "  This  child  is  set  for  the 
fall  and  rising  again  of  many  in  Israel,"  descriptive  of  the 
gospel  dispensation.  The  creature  must  be  brought  down 
before  the  Creator  can  be  exalted ;  must  be  thoroughly 
humbled  and  contrited  before  the  power  of  the  Redeemer 
can  be  fully  manifested.  This  is  a  stumbling-block  to 
such  as  are  setting  up  themselves,  or  anything  in  or  of 
themselves. 

A  public  meeting  was  at  this  time  held  in  Nor- 
wich, to  promote  Christianity  among  the  Jews. 
Several  persons  from  different  places  were  assem- 
bled at  Earlham  on  the  occasion,  with  some  of  the 
brothers  and  sisters,  and  amongst  the  number  of 
other  visitors  was  Charles  Simeon  of  Cambridge. 
He  was  intimately  acquainted  with  the  several 
members  of  the  Gurney  family,  and  particularly 
united  to  Priscilla  in  the  bonds  of  Christian  friend- 
ship. She  mentions  also  the  holding  of  the  meet- 
ing for  the  Bible  Society  during  the  same  week, 
and  adds : — 

There  has,  I  think,  been  much  of  the  liberty  of  the 
Spirit  in  our  meeting  together  at  Earlham  at  this  time, 
and  much  sweet  unity  in  the  bond  of  peace.  Not  only 
has  this  bond  been  strengthened  amongst  the  brothers 
and  sisters,  but  also  with  our  visitors,  which  is  a  great 
blessing. 

First-day,  25th.  —  I  felt  deeply  the  solemnity  of  spi- 
ritual worship,  and  expressed  my  earnest  solicitude  that 
we  might  come  before  the  Lord  with  reverence  and  godly 


152  MEMOIR   OF   PKISCILLA  GURNET.  [1818. 

fear.  I  afterwards  visited  the  poor  women  in  the  work- 
house, and  was  secretly  engaged  in  prayer  that  the  Lord 
would  be  graciously  pleased  to  break  the  spiritual  bonds 
of  these  poor  people,  and  bring  them  to  the  blessed  know- 
ledge of  their  Saviour.  Oh  !  how  deeply  do  I  sometimes 
feel  my  weakness,  my  poverty,  in  administering  to  others  ; 
but  I  still  experience  that,  if  we  cast  our  whole  selves  on 
the  Lord,  his  grace  is  sufficient  for  us.  It  is  an  unmerited 
favour,  if  a  blessing  be  permitted  to  attend  our  poor  un- 
worthy services. 

29^/i. —  To  Pakefield  with  Louisa.  We  went  to  meeting 
there  together.  I  deeply  felt  my  own  weakness,  and  ex- 
pressed it  in  referring  to  the  words  of  the  Psalmist, — 
"  When  my  heart  and  my  flesh  faileth,  the  Lord  is  the 
strength  of  my  life,  and  my  portion  for  ever." 

First-day,  Eleventh  Month  1st.  —  Went  to  Yarmouth 
Meeting.  A  day  of  much  spiritual  exercise.  Enlarged  a 
little  on  prayer:  "  Thou,  when  thou  prayest,  enter  into  thy 
closet,"  &c.  The  blessing  and  the  duty  of  secret  prayer, 
and  of  communion  with  God  through  Christ ;  of  seeking 
to  live  in  this  spiritual  communion. 

1th.  —  Commenced  the  school  at  Earlham  with  fresh 
spirits. 

11th. — Visited  the  workhouse,  where  I  saw  a  poor  man 
on  his  death-bed.  It  was  an  awful  scene,  as  he  did  not 
appear  sensible  of  any  religious  consolation.  I  felt 
solemnly  the  mysteriousness  of  an  eternal  state. 

To  her  cousin  Hannah  C.  Backhouse  she  wrote : 

Earllmm,  13th  of  Eleventh  Month,  1818. 

I  really  disapprove  of  living  without  holding  any  com- 
munication with  those  I  love;  for  1  think  the  habit  of 
having  no  intercourse  may,  without  great  watchfulness, 


1818.]  MEMOIR   OF    PRISCILLA   GURNET.  153 

beget  something  of  the  feeling  of  indifference  in  one  an- 
other's concerns.  While  many  new  interests  are  found  as 
we  advance  in  life,  I  am  much  inclined  to  cherish  those 
that  have  taken  deep  root,  and  are  of  long  standing.  I 
enjoy  our  quiet  settlement  and  happy  home :  my  time  is 
fully  and  very  pleasantly  occupied.  I  am  enough  exer- 
cised in  mind  and  body  to  be  often  made  very  sensible  that 
this  is  not  our  rest,  and  a  glimpse  of  that  eternal  rest 
which  "  remains  for  the  people  of  God,"  occasionally  comes 
before  me  with  brightness  and  hope.  But  this  is  not 
without  fear  and  trembling,  "  Lest  we  should  come  short 
of  it."  I  think  I  have  of  late  been  rather  increasingly 
impressed  with  the  duty  of  watchfulness  and  prayerj  not 
only  for  ourselves,  but  for  others ;  and  this  has,  perhaps, 
arisen  from  feeling  how  much  I  need  to  be  remembered  by 
others.  I  have  been  much  interested  by  hearing  of  the 
school  at  Darlington.  I  rejoice  that  you  have  taken  up 
the  cause  of  education,  which  appears  to  me  increasingly 
one  of  great  importance  to  the  welfare  of  society.  In  the 
present  state  of  things,  a  liberal  education,  as  far  as  it  is 
consistent  with  the  principles  of  Friends,  is  really  a  duty 
owing  to  the  rising  generation.  I  hope,  dear  H.,  thou  wilt 
not  quite  lay  aside  thy  drawing.  I  think  it  such  a  useful 
kind  of  recreation  for  the  young  people  of  a  certain  class 
in  the  Society,  and  may  often  take  the  place  of  much  more 
unprofitable  employments.  I  should  be  glad  to  hear  of 
thy  teaching  thy  children  to  draw.  I  often  feel  a  little 
ashamed  (with  rather  a  strong  sense  of  my  own  deficien- 
cies,) of  being  so  engaged  in  recommending  things  to  others, 
and  encouraging  them  in  their  duties. 

19fA.  —  I  went  off  early  to  the  Monthly  Meeting  at 
Tivetshall,  where  I  was  again  helped  through  those  little 
services  that  seemed  to  be  required  of  me.  The  first 


154  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA  GURNET.  [1818. 

meeting  encouraging.  It  was  a  close  exercise  of  submis- 
sion to  have  to  visit  the  men's  meeting  —  a  service  to 
which  I  have  so  seldom  been  called,  and  which  is  remark- 
ably adverse  to  my  nature.  I  left  with  them  the  word  of 
warning  lest  there  should  be  any  who,  from  discourage- 
ment or  other  obstructions,  might  be  ready  to  say,  "  I 
pray  thee  have  me  excused."  How  many  exercises  and 
conflicts  of  spirit  have  I  had  to  experience  in  some  of 
these  solitary  meeting  excursions ;  yet  how  mercifully  has 
help  been  administered  in  the  needful  time ! 

Eleventh  Month  Nth,  1818. — My  birth-day  —  thirty- 
three.  I  feel  seriously  my  advance  in  life  —  my  youth  is 
entirely  gone.  I  long  to  be  enabled  to  resign  myself 
more  submissively,  more  perfectly,  to  the  service  of  my 
blessed  Redeemer,  in  whom  is  salvation  and  remission  of 
sin,  and  to  be  pressing  after  an  entire  preparation  for  an 
entrance  into  his  holy  kingdom. 

PKISCILLA   GUKNEY  TO   . 

Earlham,  Twelfth  Month  2nd,  1818. 

I  often  view  your  situation  with  real  interest  in  spiritual 
things.  It  is  certainly  being  cast  on  rather  barren  land, 
but  this  is  not  discouraging  to  me  where  the  desire  is 
sincere,  to  be  growing  in  grace,  and  in  the  knowledge  of 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  I  feel  an  increasing  persuasion 
that  where  the  heart  is  really  given  up  to  serve  the  Lord, 
"  His  grace  is  sufficient  for  us,"  in  every  situation  and 
under  every  circumstance  of  life.  I  have  also  something 
like  a  little  faith  that  you  are  in  your  right  place,  and 
that  if  thou  and  thy  dear  husband  are  enabled  to  fill  your 
different  stations  faithfully,  diligently,  and  with  an  humble 
spirit,  as  unto  the  Lord,  and  not  unto  man,  He  will  bless 


1818.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  155 

you  as  much  as  be  good  for  you  in  things  temporal,  and 
what  is  of  infinitely  more  consequence  in  things  spiritual. 
As  I  advance  in  life  (being  just  thirty- three,)  and  as  I 
have  had  very  deeply  to  feel  that  the  things  of  life  are  in 
themselves  unsatisfactory,  so  I  think  I  have  been  more 
and  more  made  sensible  of  the  infinite  importance  of  those 
things  that  are  eternal,  and  of  having  our  hearts  fixed 
upon  them,  which,  so  far  from  lessening,  would,  I  cannot 
but  believe,  increase  our  diligence  and  watchfulness,  in  all 
the  duties  in  life,  and  does  in  fact  give  the  greatest  relish 
to  all  its  lawful  enjoyments. 

~Llth. — I  wrote  to  the  Islington  School  Committee  on 
the  subject  of  religious  instruction  —  one  of  much  and 
serious  importance  to  the  welfare  of  our  Society,  and 
which,  at  this  time,  claims  the  consideration  of  many 
Friends.  I  think  I  feel  less  fear  of  the  judgments  of  men 
than  I  once  did ;  I  desire  to  have  my  eye  constantly  single 
unto  the  Lord. 

First-day,  Twelfth  Month  1.8th.  —  I  rose  with  some 
sense  of  the  renewed  strength  that  cometh  only  from  the 
Lord,  and  with  an  earnest  desire  to  commend  myself  and 
others  unto  Him.  I  feel  very  thankful  for  the  hours  of 
retirement  and  profound  quiet  which  my  present  life 
affords.  I  trust  they  have  been  favourable  to  communion 
of  spirit  with  the  Lord,  and  in  Him  with  his  children. 

First-day,  21th.  —  I  received  the  interesting,  affecting, 
and  yet,  in  one  sense,  comforting  intelligence,  that  William 
Forster  has  a  prospect  of  visiting  America.  It  is  anima- 
ting and  striking  to  see  faith  triumph  over  nature.  I  have 
lately  experienced  much  want  of  strength  and  vigour ;  but 
this  seldom  gives  me  any  uneasiness. 

SOtft. — Wrote  to  W.  and  A.  Forster :  — 


156  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  [1818. 

Earlham,  Twelfth-Month  30th,  1818. 

MY  BELOVED  FRIENDS, 

It  seems  difficult  for  me  to  express  by  words,  how  deeply 
interesting,  affecting,  and  yet  comforting,  your  letter  has 
been  to  me.  The  intelligence  conveyed  in  it  at  last  came 
upon  me  unexpectedly ;  it  was  brought  before  me  with  that 
kind  of  evidence,  in  which  we  are  constrained  to  acknow- 
ledge, "  It  is  the  Lord's  doing  and  marvellous  in  our  eyes." 
We  all  felt  it  exceedingly,  and  I  have  been  able,  I  believe, 
to  mourn  and  rejoice  with  you.  All  that  you  have  passed 
through  and  may  yet  have  to  suffer,  calls  for  our  most 
tender  and  near  love  and  sympathy ;  and  yet  it  is  unpro- 
fitable not  to  rejoice  that  the  power  and  love  of  the  Re- 
deemer should  have  thus  prevailed  in  your  hearts,  and  I 
cannot  but  feel  every  hope,  that  in  the  end,  it  will  also  be, 
to  you  both,  a  joy  unspeakable  and  full  of  glory.  The 
depths  and  extent  of  the  sacrifice  cannot  be  fully  under- 
stood but  by  yourselves  ;  yet  those  who  know  you  the  best, 
can  the  best  know  what  it  must  be.  I  long  to  be  more 
capable  of  entering  with  you  into  the  cup  of  suffering,  as 
well  as  of  consolation,  which,  I  am  sure,  abundantly  at- 
tends those  so  devoted  to  the  Lord.  I  have  felt  comforted 
in  my  present  entire  disengagement;  for  this  amongst 
other  things  —  that  I  may,  in  any  way  as  it  may  seem 
needful,  be  devoted  to  your  service  as  far  as  outward  help 
can  go  (which,  to  be  sure,  is  very  limited) ;  I  trust  you 
will  have  it  from  all  your  friends :  but  may  we  all  be  en- 
abled to  seek  for  you  that  help  and  power  which  can  alone 
effectually  sustain  you  and  quiet  every  storm.  I  feel  un- 
equal to  saying  much  on  the  subject,  but  I  believe  I  shall 
be  much  with  you  in  mind.  I  dislike  sending  you  so  poor 
a  letter,  so  little  expression  of  what  I  have  in  my  heart 
towards  you ;  but  I  have  been  so  remarkably  languid  in 


1818.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNEY.  157 

mind  and  body  the  last  week  or  two,  from  not  having  been 
very,  well,  that  I  seem  incapable  of  much  expression  about 
anything ;  but  this  is,  I  believe,  but  a  passing  cloud ;  for 
I  have,  of  late,  '/>een  very  comfortable,  and  I  hope  have 
been  thankful  in  the  enjoyment  of  a  quiet,  peaceful  state 
of  mind,  with  now  and  then  something  like  a  gleam  of 
rejoicing  in  the  openings  of  that  rest  which  remaineth,  &c., 
if  we  can  but  attain  unto  it. 

Engaged  most  of  the  day  by  our  school  concerns,  which, 
perhaps  through  much  weakness  of  body,  I  felt  burden- 
some and  oppressive.  0  Lord,  undertake  for  me  !  has  been 
truly  the  language  of  my  spirit  of  late. 

31s?. — This  year,  fraught  with  many  interests,  and  blest 
with  many  unmerited  mercies,  has  closed,  somehow  or 
other,  cloudily,  under  a  very  deep  and  painful  sense  of 
distressing  weakness  and  unworthiness,  and  with  a  re- 
newed feeling  of  being,  alas !  but  "  an  unprofitable  ser- 
vant." Still  thy  mercy  and  thy  goodness,  0  Lord,  follow 
us  all  the  days  of  our  lives ;  and  may  it  be  more  and  more 
our  earnest  desire  to  dwell  in  thy  house  for  ever ! 

From  these  later  entries  in  her  journal  we  per- 
ceive the  indications  of  an  enfeebled  constitution 
of  body  —  producing  a  depressing  effect  upon  the 
naturally  bright,  cheerful,  and  active  spirit  of  this 
excellent  young  person.  The  seeds  of  disease  were 
deeply  sown  in  her  delicate  frame,  and  slowly,  but 
surely,  they  produced  the  fatal  result.  On  com- 
mencing the  year  1819,  Priscilla  Gurney  makes  the 
following  entry :  — 

First-Month  1st. — I  arose  with  something  of  a  thankful 
and  relieving  sense  of  that  Divine  life  and  light  which 
14 


158  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA    GURNET.  [1819. 

dispels  our  clouds  of  darkness,  and  with  the  earnest  desire 
for  myself  and  others  that,  on  entering  on  another  year, 
our  loins  may  be  girded  and  our  lamps  burning.  What- 
ever be  the  events  of  this  year,  may  we  be  among  those 
servants  who  wait  for  their  Lord,  and  who,  when  He 
cometh,  shall  be  found  ready.  I  have  enjoyed  the  privi- 
lege of  spending  this  day  quietly  over  my  own  fireside, 
and  much  in  solitude.  I  have  valued  this  retirement  for 
reviewing  the  past,  and  for  seeking  after  a  right  prepara- 
tion of  mind  for  the  future. 

4th.  —  Interesting  time  with  dear  H.  The  prospect  of 
parting  with  them  (her  brother  and  sister  Buxton)  has 
made  me  very  low  all  day.  After  our  morning's  reading, 
I  was  enabled,  though  under  a  heavy  feeling  of  weakness 
and  depression,  to  supplicate  for  the  continuance  of  that 
Divine  blessing  upon  them  which  has  been  so  eminently 
extended  towards  them ;  for  our  dear  brother  in  an  espe- 
cial manner.  This  month  he  is  to  commence  his  parlia- 
mentary career.  May  the  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ 
be  with  him,  to  preserve  him  from  all  evil,  and  to  enable 
him  to  become  valiant  for  the  cause  of  Truth  and  Right- 
eousness upon  the  earth. 

5th.  —  The  Buxtons  left  Earlham.  I  spent  part  of  the 
morning  amongst  the  poor ;  felt  dreary  in  returning  home, 
but  afterwards  a  peaceful  influence  prevailed. 

6th.  —  To  Norwich  Benevolent  Society ;  after  which  I 
visited  two  men  in  the  Castle. 

8th.  —  To  Easton  about  the  poor  ;  not  to  much  satisfac- 
tion. Evening,  to  the  Quarterly  Conference  of  the  Bible 
Association. 

First-day.  —  The  meeting  to-day  was  very  comforting, 
owned,  I  cannot  but  believe,  by  the  presence  of  Him  who 
is  the  Head  and  Life  of  the  church. 

11th.  —  Spent  the  morning  among  the  poor  at  Easton, 


1819.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  159 

and  finished  my  concerns  there  upon  the  whole  satisfac- 
torily. 

13M. — Visited  Barlow  on  his  death-bed.  I  had  to 
supplicate  for  the  mercy  of  the  Lord  towards  him,  that, 
•whether  he  lived  or  died,  he  might  be  the  Lord's.  He 
seemed  comforted,  and  expressed  something  of  a  joyful 
foretaste  of  that  which  is  to  come.  How  great  and  how 
wonderful  are  the  mercies  of  the  Lord  towards  those  who 
may  appear  to  the  eye  of  man  amongst  the  weakest  of  his 
creatures  !  I  was  thankful  in  having  been  made  willing  to 
yield,  (though  in  the  cross  to  my  nature,)  to  this  little 
service,  and  I  can  bear  my  testimony  to  the  truth  of  the 
declaration,  that  "  to  obey  is  better  than  sacrifice,  and  to 
hearken  than  the  fat  of  rams." 

14fA,  Fifth-day.  —  A  solemn  meeting.  I  expressed  a 
little,  (after  many  meetings  in  silence,)  on  the  words  of 
our  Lord,  "  Blessed  is  that  servant  whom  his  lord,  when 
he  cometh,  shall  find  watching"  —  applicable,  not  only  to 
the  last  day  and  hour,  but  to  every  event  in  our  lives,  and 
to  the  spiritual  appearing  of  the  Lord  Jesus.  Many  inte- 
resting letters  from  our  family  circle,  which  excited  much 
feeling  —  from  Rachel,  giving  an  account  of  her  journey 
to  Darlington.  Encouragement  on  the  subject  of  religious 
instruction  amongst  Friends  in  the  north,  also  on  prison 
affairs.  From  Hannah,  telling  us  of  dear  Fowell's  enter- 
ing Parliament,  and  of  her  numerous  family  interests  and 
cares.  And  from  dearest  Louisa,  who  still  suffers  much 
from  her  late  trial  [the  loss  of  a  sweet  child].  May  we 
all,  individually  and  collectively,  dwell  under  the  shadow 
of  the  Almighty,  and  find  entrance  into  the  fold  of  the 
true  Shepherd,  where  alone  we  can  be  kept  in  safety. 

~L8th. —  Part  of  the  morning  in  Norwich,  visiting  two 
women  in  the  Castle.  I  so  greatly  want  more  faithfulness, 
courage  and  energy,  in  all  my  objects. 


1GO  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA    GURNET.  [1819. 

On  the  following  day  she  addressed  a  letter  to 
her  beloved  cousin  Maria  Fox,  from  which  the 
annexed  extract  is  taken. 

Earlham,  First  Month  20th,  1819. 

I  am  only  more  and  more  convinced  of  the  importance 
of  endeavouring  to  sow  the  seed,  and  of  allowing  our 
young  people  some  knowledge  of  scripture  truths,  pro- 
vided we  keep  as  much  as  possible  to  the  life  of  our  own 
principles,  and  seek  for  the  guidance  and  help  of  heavenly 
influence  for  them  and  for  ourselves.  I  deeply  feel  the 
importance  of  a  jealous  watchfulness  of  any  innovation  of 
our  principle  of  the  liberty  and  immediate  teachings  of 
the  Spirit.  This  liberty  of  the  Spirit  I  increasingly  see 
to  be  an  inestimable  privilege,  and  we  may  well  watch 
against  the  bondage  of  man's  instructions.  All  that  I 
desire  to  maintain  and  encourage  is  the  simple  knowledge 
of  the  Scriptures  ;  and  let  those  engaged  in  the  work  adopt 
such  methods  as  appear  to  them  the  most  simple,  and  the 
most,  easy  to  their  own  minds. 

21st.  —  A  very  sweet  meeting.  Joseph  spoke  on  the 
Comforter.  The  Holy  Spirit  is  indeed  a  Comforter.  He 
dwelt  on  the  inestimable  and  unspeakable  privileges  which 
can  only  be  enjoyed  by  those  who  receive  this  holy  visitant 
into  their  hearts.  And  oh  !  it  was  the  fervent  prayer  of 
my  soul  that  this  may  be  the  case  with  us.  And,  for  my- 
self, that  having  no  very  strong  attractions  to  this  life,  I 
may  really  be  laying  hold  on  eternal  life.  It  is  unspeak- 
ably important  to  realize  to  one's  mind  death  and  judg- 
ment, so  as  to  seek  a  preparation  for  them.  My  having 
some  increased  sense  of  the  reality  of  heavenly  things, 
and  of  enduring  rest,  is  a  great  cause  of  humble  thank- 
fulness. I  have  lived  much  of  late  in  my  own  room ;  yet 


1S19.]  MEMOIR   OF    PRISCILLA   GURNET.  101 

I  highly  prize  being  with  my  dear  brother  and  sister,  whose 
kindness  and  affection  for  me  are  a  constant  source  of 
comfort.  I  humbly  trust  that,  in  my  hours  of  profound 
retirement,  I  have  tasted  of  the  power  and  love  of  my 
ever-blessed  Redeemer,  in  whose  presence  there  is  fulness 

of  joy. 

\ 

Priscilla  Gurney's  solicitude  on  account  of  the 
youth  continued  unabated,  and  the  wisdom  that 
guided  her  in  the  manifestation  of  it  is  conspi- 
cuously evinced  in  the  following  letter  which  she 
addressed  to  a  young  person  who  was  about  to 
engage  in  the  office  of  a  governess  in  a  private 
famijy :  — 

In  undertaking  the  important  charge  of  children,  I 
earnestly  recommend  thce,  in  all  things,  to  attend  to  "the 
manifestation  of  the  Spirit,  which  is  given  to  every  man 
to  profit  withal,"  not  placing  too  much  reliance  on  thy 
own  strength  or  thy  own  judgment.  "  Trust  in  the  Lord 
with  all  thy  heart,  and  lean  not  to  thy  own  understand- 
ing." Remember  always  to  act  towards  the  dear  children, 
as  if  in  the  presence  of  the  Lord,  and  in  all  thy  dealings 
with  them  do  that  which  thou  believest  would  be  accepta- 
ble in  his  sight.  Next  to  their  religious  studies,  endea- 
vour to  impress  on  the  minds  of  the  children  their  duties 
towards  their  parents :  lead  them  by  every  means  in  thy 
power  to  love,  obey,  and  respect  them.  Always  bear  in 
mind  that,  with  children,  example  has  far  more  effect  than 
precept ;  for,  without  setting  a  right  example  in  all  things, 
advice  and  correction  avail  but  little.  This  should  lead  to 
caution  in  all  thy  words  and  actions,  as  well  as  to  the  cul- 
tivation of  good  habits  in  all  thv  employments.  Employ 
14* 


162  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA  GURNET.  £1819. 

thy  leisure  time  in  endeavouring  to  improve  thyself,  which 
thou  wilt  find  very  necessary  as  the  children  advance  in 
age  —  thy  stock  of  knowledge  and  useful  information 
should  be  continually  increasing  —  and,  above  all,  endea- 
vour to  secure  some  time  for  retirement  and  for  the  regu- 
lation of  thy  own  mind.  Whatever  be  the  dispositions  of 
the  children  under  thy  care,  and  whatever  be  the  little 
difficulties  and  trials  .which  thy  situation  may  subject  thee 
to,  endeavour  to  bear  all  with  patience,  not  giving  way  to 
a  spirit  of  discontent  or  fretfulness.  Be  careful  not  to 
correct  a  child  under  the  first  impression  of  displeasure 
or  vexation ;  always  wait  till  thy  own  mind  is  cool  and 
collected ;  so  that  a  correction,  whether  it  be  by  word  or 
punishment,  (if  the  power  of  punishment  is  committed  to 
thee)  may  never  be  given  for  the  gratification  or  relief  of 
thy  own  feelings,  but  only  for  the  good  of  the  child ;  this 
would  prevent  thy  speaking  hastily  or  unguardedly  to  them 
or  before  them,  which  has  often  an  injurious  effect  on  the 
minds  of  children.  In  all  thy  dealings  with  them  endea- 
vour to  be  strictly  just  and  impartial  towards  each ;  be 
cheerful  and  conciliating  in  thy  manners  towards  them, 
but  never  sanction  the  least  thing  that  is  wrong,  or  rude 
and  vulgar,  that  thou  mayest  gain  their  respect  as  well  as 
love.  By  being  kind  and  affectionate  towards  them,  good- 
natured  to  others,  rendering  those  about  thee  every  service 
in  thy  power,  thou  wilt  encourage  the  children,  more  than 
by  many  words,  to  lovo  and  be  kind  to  one  another,  and 
to  serve  their  fellow-creatures.  Endeavour  to  convince 
them  that  doing  good  to  others  is  one  of  the  greatest  plea- 
sures in  life.  Let  thy  actions  justify  thy  words  in  all 
things ;  on  this  account  never  threaten  correction  or 
punishment  unless  it  be  thy  intention  to  perform  it,  nor 
promise  reward,  or  encouragement,  unless  thou  carefully 


1819.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  163 

fulfil  it.  In  teaching  children,  rememher  it  is  better  that 
they  should  learn  a  little  thoroughly,  than  a  great  deal 
superficially.  Endeavour  to  instruct  them  in  those  things 
that  are  useful  rather  than  ornamental ;  at  least,  let  the 
most  useful  branches  of  education  take  the  first  place. 

First-day,  24th. — An  exercising  meeting  to  me.  I  was 
constrained  once  more  to  come  forth  a  little  in  the  work 
of  the  ministry.  This,  I  think,  is  rather  increasingly  dif- 
ficult to  my  natural  feelings.  I  spoke  on  the  words  of  our 
Saviour,  "Nevertheless,  in  this  rejoice  not,"  &c. ;  but 
rather  rejoice  that  your  names  are  written  in  the  book  of 
life.  This,  as  it  is  an  infinitely  important  subject  for 
examination,  so  it  is  also  the  only  substantial  source  of 
rejoicing, —  applicable  to  the  different  states  in  the  church. 
To  those  called  into  much  service,  this  must  not  be  their 
reliance,  but  only  whether  they  have  just  cause  for  hope 
that  their  names  are  written  in  the  book  of  life.  Those 
who  fill  less  conspicuous  situations,  whose  works  may  be 
hidden  from  their  fellow-creatures,  must  not  be  discouraged, 
but  rather  look  to  their  foundation.  Have  they  also  the 
same  hope  ?  To  the  careless  and  indifferent,  the  appeal 
is  a  solemn  and  awful  one.  In  the  hour  of  death  and 
judgment,  the  only  important  thing  then  is,  not  whether 
we  have  rejoiced  or  mourned  in  this  world,  but  whether 
our  names  are  "written  in  the  Book  of  Life." 

26f h.  —  Morning  at  Norwich.  Visited  the  workhouse 
and  Bridewell  to  some  satisfaction. 

Second  Month  1st.  —  Rachel  and  I  went  to  Pakefield. 

First-day,  1th. — This  was  one  of  those  interesting  days 
not  soon  to  be  forgotten.  After  breakfast  we  visited  the 
schools.  Dear  Joseph  joined  us  from  Halesworth :  and 
when  we  had  seen  the  people  of  the  parish  go  off  to 


1C4  MEMOIR   OF   PRJSCILLA   GURNET.  [1819. 

"church,"  we  retired  to  our  own  quiet  little  meeting,  where 
a  rather  large  congregation  was  assembled,  for  a  Pakefield 
meeting.  I  felt  comforted  in  the  renewed  helief  that  the 
Bread  of  Life,  which  is  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord,  is  offered 
to  all ;  and  had  to  recommend  our  seeking,  by  prayer  and 
faith,  to  partake  of  it ;  that  we  may  eat  thereof,  and  not 
die.  During  the  afternoon,  I  visited  some  poor  persons, 
and  we  met  again  at  tea,  after  which  most  of  our  party 
adjourned  to  the  school,  where  F.,  (her  brother-in-law 
Francis  Cunningham,)  has  all  the  children,  and  many  of 
the  parents,  assembled  on  a  First-day  evening.  I  sat  with 

dear in  our  room.  A  general  meeting  together  ended 

this  interesting  day. 

8th. — We  spent  the  morning  together,  reading,  talking, 
and  walking.  Lady  Gosford  was  ill,  and  Rachel  and  I 
went  to  see  her  in  the  evening.  My  heart,  though  full  of 
love,  was  oppressed;  and  I  could  not  find  utterance  for 
that  which  was  in  my  mind  toward  her.  I  have  often  to 
pass  through  much  hidden  inward  exercise  of  mind,  before 
the  way  opens  for  my  relief:  but  we  must  wait  patiently 
until  the  opening  be  made. 

$th.  —  After  some  hours  of  lowness  and  mental  conflict, 
I  was  enabled,  before  we  separated,  to  pray  for  the  Divine 
blessing  upon  us,  individually  and  unitedly,  and,  in  an 
especial  manner  for  dear  Francis  and  Chenda.* 

Tilth.  —  Reached  home. 

14fA.  —  A  meeting  of  feeling  to  me.  I  had  to  repeat 
the  warning  language  of  the  Redeemer,  —  "If  I  had  not 
done  among  them  the  works  which  no  other  man  did,  they 
had  not  had  sin,  but  now  they  have  no  cloak  for  their 

*  The  familiar  name  which  Richcnda  Cunningham  bore  in  the 
family  circle.  —  ED. 


1819.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  165 

sin."     Afterwards  I  visited  some  sick  Friends,  the  work- 
house, and  school. 

Priscillawas,  on  the  24th,  rendered  very  anxious 
by  an  account  of  her  dear  sister  E.  Fry's  being 
"  very  seriously  ill."  This  circumstance  has,  she 
says,  "  cast  clouds  over  everything." 

26?A. — A  better  account  of  our  dear  sister.  This  week 
closes  with  a  renewed  sense  of  the  mercy  and  loving- 
kindness  of  the  Lord.  I  have  had  to  say  a  few  words 
hefore  dinner,  both  at  the  Grove  and  at  Keswick,  during 
the  week.  This  is  a  service  hard  to  my  own  will,  and 
always  much  in  the  cross  :  but  still,  I  must  bear  testimony 
to  the  truth  that,  even  here,  the  cross  of  Christ  leads  to 
the  crown. 

First-day,  28th.  —  I  felt  very  closely  exercised  and  en- 
gaged in  spirit  this  morning,  which,  after  some  conflict, 
ended  in  vocal  supplication  for  various  states,  especially 
for  the  servants  of  the  Lord,  who,  having  to  advocate  his 
cause,  feel  that  they  not  only  wrestle  against  the  infirmi- 
ties of  flesh  and  blood,  but  against  principalities,  &c.  In 
this  prayer  I  felt  my  most  beloved  sister  E.  F.  brought 
near  to  my  heart  —  and  also  I  prayed  for  those  who  are 
less  conspicuously,  but  not  less  sincerely,  devoted  to  their 
God  ;  and  also  for  those  who  still  sleep  with  the  enemy  at 
hand  —  and  may  we  not  add  the  petition  that  the  Lord 
may  hear  our  cries  for  ourselves  and  others. 

Third  Month  1st.  —  I  felt  very  languid  and  low.  After 
some  hours  at  home,  I  paid  a  visit  to  a  poor  woman  at 
Cringleford,  and  also  to  L.  C.  To  the  latter  I  was  enabled 
to  address  a  few  words  of  encouragement. 

2'i.  —  Morning  in  Norwich.  Our  dear  visitors,  Lady 
Gosford,  &c.,  came,  and  we  much  enjoyed  their  company. 


1G6  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA  GURNET.  [1819. 

4th. — It  was  a  comfort  and  refreshment  before  we  parted 
to  be  at  meeting  together.  I  had  to  say  a  little  on  the 
animating  words  of  our  Saviour,  — "  Be  of  good  cheer,  I 
have  ovei'come  the  world."  Before  we  separated,  Joseph 
expressed  the  comfort  he  felt  in  the  love  which  unites  true 
Christians  under  all  circumstances ;  recalling  to  our 
remembrance  the  prayer  of  our  Redeemer,  "  That  they 
all  may  be  one,  as  Thou,  Father,  art  in  me  and  I  in  Thee, 
that  they  also  may  be  one  in  us."  After  an  early  dinner 
I  came  with  Lady  G.  to  Runcton.  We  had  a  sweet  ride 
together. 

Qth. —  After  our  morning's  reading,  I  was  enabled  to 
return  thanks  for  the  blessings  which  we  had  so  richly 
enjoyed  together,  and  to  pray  for  a  continuance  of  the 
Divine  care  over  us.  I  felt  much  humbled  afterwards, 
and  was  made  deeply  sensible  of  my  own  weakness  as  an 
instrument.  Lady  G.  and  I  had  an  interesting  journey 
to  Brampton ;  we  read  the  Epistle  of  John,  and  much  of 
Henry  Martyn's  Life.  It  was  affecting  to  arrive  at 
Lady  C.'s.  Lord  G.  had  got  there  before  us.  He  read 
the  scriptures  and  prayers  to  the  servants,  in  the  room 
appropriated  to  those  purposes.  The  whole  thing  was 
affecting  to  my  feelings.  I  believed  it  was  my  place  to 
sit  quietly  through  their  religious  services. 

First-day,  Third  Month  1th. — Lord  G.  very  kindly  took 
me  to  meeting,  which  was  comforting  ,•  for  my  spirit  was 
closely  exercised  in  various  ways.  I  hope  I  was  enabled 
to  fulfil  the  little  services  called  for  —  and  between  the 
meetings  I  visited  the  Pakefield  schools.  Returned  to 
Brampton  to  dinner.  The  evening  assembly  of  servants 
peculiarly  interesting ;  and  when  the  service  was  over,  I 
felt  constrained  to  kneel  down,  and  humbly  to  supplicate 
for  the  household,  for  the  absent  head  of  the  family,  and 


1819.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  167 

her  beloved  child,  that  the  afflictive  dispensations  of  the 
Lord  might  be  abundantly  blessed  to  themselves  and 
others  ;  and  especially  for  those  present,  that  they  might 
be  increasingly  and  nearly  united  in  the  love  of  God,  and 
partake  of  the  grace  of  their  Redeemer.  There  was  a 
great  solemnity  over  us,  and  we  parted,  I  believe,  in  love. 
I  was  exhausted  on  retiring  to  bed,  and  slept  but  little. 
I  feel  the  seriousness  of  my  calling  increasingly,  and  in 
being  thus  engaged,  I  am  a  little  made  sensible  that  we 
must  lose  our  life,  if  we  would  find  it  in  Christ. 

8th. — Took  leave  of  my  dear  friends,  and  felt  much 
quietness  and  peace,  under  the  renewed  sense  of  the 
Lord's  mercy  and  goodness  towards  me.  Came  to  Hunt- 
ingdon —  thence  to  Cambridge,  where  I  enjoyed  a  warm 
meeting  with  our  dear  friend  Charles  Simeon,  and  was 
refreshed  by  his  company  and  flow  of  Christian  love. 
Thence  I  came  forward  in  the  coach  by  myself  to  Lynn. 
I  was  glad  to  find  myself  once  more  at  Runcton. 

\\th. ' —  To  Downham  with  Aunt  B. —  very  small  meet- 
ing. I  felt  myself  comforted,  and  had  to  speak  on  the 
words  of  our  Saviour,  "He  that  loseth  his  life  for  my 
sake  shall  find  it."  The  Christian  traveller  soon  finds 
there  is  a  death  of  self  to  die,  a  life  to  lose,  if  you  would 
find  it  in  Christ.  This  life  in  Christ  is  a  wonderful  re- 
compense for  every  loss ;  one  of  those  lives  must  prevail 
and  obtain  the  victory.  Query.  —  How  is  it  with  us  ? 
Supplication  for  these  dear  friends,  that  the  anointing 
may  still  be  their  teacher  —  the  Holy  Comforter  their 

guide,  support,  and  consolation.  Called  on  ,  and 

had  a  religious  opportunity  with  her  and  her  daughter ; 
but  my  spirit  was  low  and  under  oppression.  I  sometimes 
feel,  in  myself  and  in  others,  as  if  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord 
was  under  oppression,  as  a  "  cart  under  sheaves." 


168  MEMOIR   OF    PRISCILLA   GURNEY.  [1819. 

First-day,  Third  Month  14^.  —  Meeting  at  Lynn.  I 
sat  down  under  an  almost  overwhelming  sense  and  feeling 
of  infirmity  and  poverty ;  but  help  was  mercifully  given 
in  the  time  of  need,  and  I  felt  not  only  a  little  revived  in 
spirit  myself,  but  was  enabled  to  address  the  language  of 
encouragement  to  others,  on  coming  unto  Christ,  our  only 
defence,  refuge,  and  consolation,  and  also  to  offer  up  the 
language  of  supplication  for  the  travellers  Zionwards,  of 
whom  there  are  several,  I  cannot  but  believe,  in  this  re- 
duced meeting.  The  afternoon  meeting  was  also  relieving ; 
and  I  paid  several  visits  to  the  Friends,  and  endeavoured, 
according  to  the  little  ability  given,  to  comfort  some  of 
them  on  their  way ;  but,  alas !  how  great  is  my  own 
inward  weakness  and  poverty ! 

15th.  —  Dined  with  the  Edwards's,  and  had  a  comfort- 
able day  with  these  beloved  friends. 

\Qth.  —  Quiet  day  at  Runcton. 

17M.  —  Went  with  Rachel  to  Wisbeach.  The  day  was 
an  exercising  one  to  me.  I  was,  however,  comforted  at 
the  meeting,  and  in  sympathy  with  the  few  friends  in  this 
place  in  their  lonely  situation,  and  in  the  reflection  that 
Christ  is  the  only  door  into  the  sheepfold,  and  that  this 
door  is  open  to  all.  Returned  to  Runcton. 

18th.  —  Rachel  and  I  went  to  meeting  at  Lynn,  on  our 
way  to  Fakenham.  We  reached  the  Rawlinson's  to  dinner, 
and  I  was  glad  to  meet  dear  Emma  once  more  at  her  own 
house. 

Vdth.  —  Dearest  Rachel  left  us  after  breakfast.  It  was 
painful  to  me  to  part  from  her ;  but  I  trust  we  were  both 
thankful  in  having  been  brought  together  in  much  near 
union  and  love.  I  endeavoured  to  devote  myself  in  mind 
to  dear  Emma  and  her  husband  and  children,  and  became 
increasingly  interested  in  them  and  their  concerns.  We 


1819.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  169 

read  together,  and  a  very  sweet  influence  of  love  prevailed 
over  us,  so  that  before  we  separated  I  was  enabled  to 
commend  them  unto  the  Lord  and  to  pray  for  his  blessing 
upon  them. 

20th.  —  After  addressing  a  few  words  of  encouragement 
to  dear  Emma  and  her  husband,  I  left  them.  Had  a 
pleasant  journey  with  Aunt  B.,  and  reached  home  once 
more  before  dinner.  I  was  glad  to  be  here  again  with 
dear  Joseph  and  Jane,  and  thankful  in  having  been,  in 
this  short  but  interesting  excursion,  helped  on  my  way 
from  day  to  day. 

22nd.  —  The  School  Committee,  in  which  things  ap- 
peared favourable.  Afterwards  the  select  meeting,  which 
was  solemn. 

23rd.  —  There  was  much  sweetness  and  unity  in  the 
Quarterly  Meeting.  I  was  thankful  for  the  encourage- 
ment afforded  us.  I  again  felt  the  review  of  the  queries 
solemn,  and  had  to  appeal  to  my  dear  friends  in  the 
women's  meeting  as  to  how  our  account  stood  in  the  sight 
of  our  Almighty  and  All-seeing  Judge. 

29th.  —  Morning  at  Earlham.  Visited  our  people,  and 
fixed  to  read  with  the  neighbours  once  in  the  week.  May 
a  blessing  attend  every  little  and  weak  endeavour  for  the 
help  of  others. 

SQth.  —  Morning  at  Norwich  —  schools,  workhouse,  &c. 
I  felt  some  comfort  and  a  little  encouragement  in  reading 
with  my  poor  old  women.  I  was  exhausted,  and  had  some 
hard  struggles  with  myself,  and  with  my  own  will,  which 
is  often  disappointed. 

Fourth  Month  ls£.  —  At  meeting.  "  Blessed  are  they 
that  hunger  and  thirst  after  righteousness,  for  they  shall 
be  filled." 

15 


170  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  [1819. 

2nd.  — :  I  began  to  read  with  our  neighbours,  with  a  low 
and  fearful  mind ;  but  had  some  encouragement  in  it. 

3rd.  —  I  am  thankful  in  having  felt  some  life  and  hope 
in  the  schools  lately,  which  was  the  case  to-day,  though 
not  without  some  labour  of  body  and  spirit. 

First-day,  4th.  —  Much  impressed  with  the  importance 
of  experiencing  the  presence  of  the  Lord  in  our  hearts, 
and  had  to  supplicate  that  we  might  know  the  Redeemer 
in  the  character  of  "Emanuel,  God  with  us,"  as  a  refiner 
and  purifier  and  comforter.  Visited  a  poor  man  near  his 
end,  and  in  great  bodily  distress.  How  do  the  flesh  and 
the  heart  fail  at  last !  and  what  a  blessing  it  is  for  those 
who  know  the  Lord  to  be  the  strength  of  their  lives  and 
their  portion  for  ever  !  Afternoon  meeting  —  silent,  but 
not  comfortless.  Joseph  much  engaged  about  the  poor 
men  in  the  Castle. 

Qth.  — Visited  Bedlam  and  Bridewell.  Joseph  received 
interesting  letters  from  E.  Harbord  about  the  poor  pri- 
soners :  two  of  them  are  reprieved. 

7th.  —  A  quiet  day  at  home.  I  read  with  our  poor 
neighbours  in  the  evening. 

&th. — Monthly  meeting  for  the  sick  poor.  Dear  Samuel 
and  Elizabeth  arrived  in  the  evening,  which  was  a  great 
pleasure. 

Wi. — This  was  the  day  called  "  Good  Friday."  All  my 
school-children  drank  tea  here.  The  day  was  clouded  and 
melancholy,  from  the  execution  of  poor  Belsham,  for  whom 
Joseph  and  E.  Harbord  have  so  zealously  interested  them- 
selves. Under  much  exercise  I  had  offered  up  my  suppli- 
cations for  him  in  the  morning. 

14/A.  —  I  visited  poor  Jonathan  B.,  a  young  man  in  a 
consumption,  to  whom  I  addressed  a  few  words,  in  the 
cross  to  my  weak  nature. 


1819.]  MEMOIR   OF    PRISCILLA   GURNEY.  171 

15th.  —  Dear  Samuel  accompanied  me  *to  Wymondham 
Monthly  Meeting,  which  was  upon  the  whole  encouraging 
and  satisfactory.  I  had  to  quote  the  text  in  Isaiah, — 
"  When  the  enemy  shall  come  in  like  a  flood,  the  Spirit  of 
the  Lord  shall  lift  up  a  standard  against  him." 

16th.  —  Dear  S.  and  E.  left  us.  Their  visit  has  been 
very  sweet  and  uniting.  I  trust  that  before  we  separated 
we  were  enabled  to  commend  one  another  unto  the  Lord, 
and  to  pray  for  the  continuance  of  his  mercy  and  loving- 
kindness  ;  not,  I  believe,  without  some  deep  sense  of  his 
manifold  blessings  towards  us. 

First-day,  25th.  —  A  full,  but  rather  a  low  day.  The 
ministry  at  meeting  was  much  on  the  subject  of  death. 

Fifth  Month  8th. — Much  exertion  in  a  languid  state. 
Schools,  Workhouse,  Sick  Charity,  &c. 

10th. — Comfortable  journey  to  Plaistow. 

11th. — Meeting  at  Plaistow.  I  felt  (and  had  to  express 
it)  that  it  was  a  favour  to  be  permitted  to  partake,  though 
only  as  of  the  crumbs  that  fall  from  the  Master's  table. 

12th. — To  Hampstead,  to  dear  Louisa. 

11th.  —  Yearly  Meeting  of  ministers  and  elders.  The 
two  sittings  comfortable. 

18th.  —  The  meeting  this  morning  was  one  long  to  be 
remembered.  Dear  William  Forstcr  laid  before  it  his 
concern  to  visit  America,  and  some  of  the  West  India 
Islands.  He  spoke  with  much  feeling  and  humility. 
There  was  a  solemn  silence  after  it.  Many  Friends  ex- 
pressed their  entire  unity ;  and,  indeed,  the  whole  body 
seemed  brought  into  one  feeling  and  one  spirit.  Dear 
Anna  spoke  beautifully,  and  with  power,  declaring  the 
goodness  and  mercy  of  the  Lord  which  had  hitherto  fol- 
lowed them,  and  expressed  her  strong  desire  that  her 
beloved  husband  might  be  upheld,  comforted  and  encou- 


172  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA    GURNET.  [1819. 

raged.  The  whole  meeting  seemed  affected.  Their  striking 
example  of  submission  and  resignation  has  been  edifying, 
and  deeply  instructive. 

~L9th.  —  The  women's  meeting  began  comfortably.  I 
had  to  address  a  few  words  of  encouragement  to  the  young 
people  before  the  close  of  the  meeting. 

24th.  —  The  state  of  the  Indians,  which  was  brought 
before  the  meeting,  interested  me ;  but  I  long  to  hear  of 
more  religious  service  amongst  them.  But  it  was  an  en- 
couragement that,  whilst  they  have  been  persecuted  and 
oppressed  by  others,  they  have  invariably  been  protected 
and  assisted  by  Friends.  I  am  more  and  more  convinced 
that  our  principles  lead  to  love.  Abigail  Pirn  spoke  of 
the  evils  of  this  world,  arising  from  selfishness,  and  warned 
all  against  this  corrupt  principle  of  self-love.  I  much 
desired  to  take  it  home. 

28th.  —  We  were  visited  by  Joseph  Gurney  and  Robert 
Fowler.  The  former  dwelt  upon  the  important  effects  of 
female  influence  upon  men,  and  encouraged  wives,  sisters, 
&c.  to  watchfulness  over  their  own  spirits,  to  exercise  this 
influence  rightly.  The  petition  of  the  Meeting  for  Suffer- 
ings against  capital  punishments  was  read,  which  brought 
forward  the  subject  of  prisons,  and  other  objects  of  bene- 
volence, in  a  very  interesting  manner. 

28th.  —  This  afternoon  was  the  concluding  meeting, 
which  was  altogether  solemn  and  satisfactory.  Towards 
the  close  I  had  to  say  a  few  words  on  the  shortness  of 
time,  and  that  whatever  our  hands  find  to  do  we  should 
do  it  with  all  our  might. 

Sixth  Month  1st.  —  H.  and  I  went  to  the  Refuge  for 
the  Destitute,  and  afterwards  to  Dr.  Farr,  who  spoke 
rather  seriously  of  my  present  state  of  health.  Spent 
some  time  at  Islington  School. 


1819.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILL A   GURNET.  173 

Sth. —  To  Plaistow  Meeting  with  dearest  E.  F.*  Had 
to  say  a  few  words  (in  much  weakness)  to  the  faithful  few 
among  them,  on  the  words,  "  Be  not  weary  in  well-doing, 
for  in  due  time  ye  shall  reap  if  ye  faint  not."  I  was  fol- 
lowed by  E.  J.  F.,  on  the  answer  of  our  Lord,  —  "If  1 
will  that  he  tarry  till  I  come,  what  is  that  to  thee  ? 
Follow  thou  me ;"  which  came  home  to  my  heart  amidst 
the  variety  of  people  and  scenes  among  whom  my  lot  is 
cast. 

$th.  —  Travelled  home. 

10th. — Recommenced  the  school  at  Norwich,  with  some 
feeling  of  comfort. 

13th.  —  Received  a  pressing  letter  from  dear  R.  to  go 
to  Pakefield,  to  see  their  poor  mother,  who  appears  to  be 
drawing  near  her  close. 

14f/j. —  We  went  to  PakeSeld,  and  spent  the  afternoon 
with  A.  C.,  who  appears  very  sweet,  quiet  and  resigned. 
After  much  mental  conflict,  and  an  earnest  desire  to  move 
only  under  the  right  influence,  I  was  enabled  to  return 
thanks  for  the  victory  of  which,  we  humbly  trusted,  she 
was  a  partaker,  and  which  is  to  be  obtained  through 
Christ ;  and  to  supplicate  that  the  last  enemy,  which  is 
death,  might  be  so  subdued,  that  it  might  lose  its  sting, 
and  the  grave  its  victory. 

15th.  —  I  sat  some  time  beside  our  poor  invalid,  and 
was  comforted  by  the  quietness  of  her  spirit.  After  their 
morning's  service  I  was  enabled,  once  more,  to  supplicate 
that  the  mercy  and  loving-kindness  of  the  Lord  might 
rest  on  them,  and  on  all  their  community,  and  soon  after 
took  my  leave.  How  have  I  acknowledged  that  the  Lord 
is  a  present  help  in  time  of  need  ! 

Seventh  Month  10th. —  Attended  to  the  schools  with 

v  FK-r  sister  Fry 

15* 


174  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA    GURNEY.  [1819. 

M.  W.  Felt  oppressed  and  unwell,  but  was  enabled  to 
get  through  the  business  'of  the  day. 

First-day,  ~Llth. —  The  meeting  this  morning  solemn 
and  comforting.  Had  to  say  a  little  on  Christ  "  leaving 
us  an  example  that  we  should  follow  his  steps."  In  no 
point  more  important  than  the  entire  resignation  of  the 
will.  Recommenced  visiting  the  adult  school.  Evening 

at ,  where  I  felt  weakened  by  too  much  conversation. 

Oh,  how  I  wanted  more  stillness  and  quietness  of  mind ! 

Eighth  Month  16f/«. — Left  home  with  dear  Joseph  and 
Jane,  and  reached  Hunstanton  in  the  evening. 

First-day,  ~L8th. —  To  meeting  at  Lynn,  which  was  inte- 
resting. Several  serious  Methodist  sailors  came  in,  and 
sat  with  uncommon  stillness.  I  had  to  address  them  and 
others  on  that  encouraging  text,  "  Fear  not,  little  flock ; 
for  it  is  your  Father's  good  pleasure  to  give  you  the  king- 
dom." Paid  several  visits  afterwards  to  the  sick. 

21st. — From  Lynn  to  Upton.  Felt  low — but  have  been 
helped  from  day  to  day. 

24th. —  Joined  the  party  at  Plashet  at  their  French  les- 
sons ;  overstrained  my  voice,  which  was  very  weak ;  was 
poorly  all  the  rest  of  the  day.  In  the  evening  I  was  much 
oppressed  in  body,  and  still  more  in  spirit ;  and,  on  retiring 
to  my  own  room,  I  was  surprised,  but  not  much  agitated, 
by  the  breaking  of  a  blood-vessel.  A  low  and  feverish 
night  ensued,  but  I  did  not  feel  at  all  alarmed. 

25th.  —  I  was  ill,  but  not  uneasy.  In  the  evening  I 
passed  through  a  serious  conflict,  from  a  return  of  the 
hemorrhage,  accompanied  by  much  difficulty  in  breathing. 

26th.  —  In  the  evening,  had  a  slight  return  of  the 
bleeding. 

27th. — I  thought  myself  better,  and  was  altogether  com- 
fortable ;  but  was,  through  unwatchfulness,  overset  in  the 


1819.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  175 

evening.  We  applied  leeches.  I  had  a  deeply  trying 
night,  and  was  very  ill. 

"2Sth.  —  I  was  very  much  sunk  during  this  day;  and,  to 
my  own  feelings,  it  was  a  conflict  between  life  and  death ; 
but  through  infinite  mercy,  I  felt,  and,  according  to  my 
very  small  measure,  believed  in  the  power  of  the  Redeemer 
to  overcome  death.  We  had  some  edifying  and  in- 
structive time  together,  though  it  was  a  day  of  much  trial. 
Dr.  Farr  came  in  the  evening,  and  comforted  and  encou- 
raged us. 

29£/i.  —  Rather  better  to-day,  but  the  night  was  one  of 
much  conflict.  Death  was  brought  very  closely  before 
me :  but  I  now  feel  thankful  in  having  been  enabled, 
through  the  mercy  of  our  Lord,  to  view  death  with  hope 
and  tranquillity. 

The  reader,  who  has  thus  far  traced,  in  Priscilla 
Gurney's  course,  the  remarkable  exemplification  of 
the  gospel  spirit,  that  breathes  "  Glory  to  God  in 
the  highest,  on  earth  peace,  and  good-will  towards 
men,"  will  doubtless  be  impressed  with  sympathetic 
interest,  by  these  affecting  entries  in  her  journal ; 
and  will  be  prepared  for  the  heavy  cloud  which 
overshadowed  her  path,  during  the  few  remaining 
steps  of  her  earthly  pilgrimage;  —  a  cloud  through 
which,  nevertheless,  the  bright  effulgence  of  the 
Sun  of  Righteousness  shed  upon  her  soul  the  ra- 
diance of  heavenly  light  and  peace.  Four  weeks 
after  the  alarming  attack,  she  writes  :  — 

I  have  been  gradually  recovering  from  this  very  serious 
illness.  It  has  been  a  memorable  and  an  instructive  time ; 


176  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  [1819. 

and  I  have  inexpressible  cause  for  thankfulness.  I  am 
left  in  a  low  state  of  spirits,  and  low  as  it  regards  the 
things  of  this  world ;  but  may  I  still  place  all  my  trust  in 
the  Lord,  who  has  done  so  much  for  me,  and  be  enabled 
to  commit  all  my  way  unto  Him.  I  have  had  great  com- 
fort from  all  my  beloved  brothers  and  sisters,  and  also 
from  the  love  and  sympathy  of  our  numerous  kind  friends 
and  relations.  I  must  just  note  down  how  much  I  have 
been  confirmed  in  the  importance  of  religious  instruction 
during  this  illness,  on  having  the  mind  properly  informed 
on  the  truths  of  the  gospel  —  these  truths,  through  the 
power  of  grace,  often  return  with  fresh  life  in  the  hour 
of  need. 

By  the  direction  of  her  medical  advisers,  Pris- 
cilla  Gurney  was  removed  to  the  Isle  of  Wight. 
She  was  accompanied  by  her  beloved  sister  Rachel ; 
and  on  the  25th  of  Ninth  Month,  after  arriving  at 
Hyde,  she  writes  :  — 

I  was  fatigued  and  poorly.  If  we  would  secure  any- 
thing like  perfect  peace,  it  is  indeed  most  needful  that  the 
mind  should  be  kept  staid  on  God. 

First-day,  Tenth  Month  3rd. — Enjoyed  some  retirement 
of  spirit  this  morning,  and  visited,  mentally,  those  from 
whom  we  are  now  separated.  Whilst  disabled  from  all 
active  service  and  employments,  how  important  it  is  that 
Biich  a  time  should  lead  to  deep  self-examination !  My 
mind  is  not  capable  of  much  continued  reflection;  but 
may  I  endeavour,  like  Mary,  to  sit  at  the  feet  of  the  Re- 
deemer, to  wait  upon  Him,  and  to  hear  his  word ! 


1819.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  177 

TO    ELIZABETH    BARCLAY. 

Isle  of  Wight,  Ninth  Month,  1819. 

I  have  felt  peculiarly  near  to  thee,  my  dear  Elizabeth, 
in  sympathy  and  understanding,  when  to  my  own  feelings 
I  seemed  wholly  uncertain  as  to  life  or  death.  It  was  a 
comfort  to  think  of  thee,  and  remember  how  the  same 
power  had  mercifully  supported  and  sustained  us  in  the 
hour  of  need.  Such  proofs  of  the  unremitting  love  of  the 
Redeemer  ought  to  animate  and  encourage  us  to  hold  on 
our  way,  and  to  follow  Him  with  more  devotedness  of 
heart.  There  are  times  when,  I  trust,  this  has  been  the 
effect  upon  my  mind ;  but  I  have  been  often  much  cast 
down  since  by  internal  lowness,  and  a  sense  of  my  weak- 
ness, as  well  as  something  of  a  reluctance  to  enter  the 
conflicts  of  the  present  state  again.  I  have  been  so  tho- 
roughly disabled  that  it  is  no  longer  a  question,  but  a 
necessity,  to  retire  from  the  field  of  action,  and  I  should 
not  be  surprised  if  the  present  system  of  care  proved 
beneficial  (through  the  Divine  blessing  —  for  what  are  all 
our  efforts  without  it  ?)  for  the  future.  I  am  very  doubt- 
ful whether  I  shall  ever  recover  much  power  of  voice 
again ;  but  this  point,  as  well  as  all  others,  I  desire  to 
leave ;  I  should  be  well  content,  if  it  be  the  will  of  our 
dear  Lord  and  Master,  to  be  more  withdrawn  from  any- 
thing of  public  service,  and  to  lead  a  more  secluded  life. 
The  future  is  remarkably  in  obscurity  to  me ;  it  is  good  to 
feel  we  have  here  no  continuing  city.  We  are  very  plea- 
santly situated  at  this  place,  and  enjoy  our  retreat  from 
the  world. 

First-day,  Tenth  Month  Wth. — I  feel  my  absence  from 
meetings ;  and  from  that  precious  communion  which,  in 
meeting  together,  we  have  so  often  enjoyed. 


178  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNEY.  [1819. 

~L6th. —  I  consulted  Dr.  Hamilton,  who  took  an  unfa- 
vourable view  of  my  case,  which  I  felt  seriously,  but  not 
painfully.  It  would,  I  think,  give  me  little  real  concern 
to  believe  that  my  continuance  here  was  not  likely  to  be 
long.  I  shrink,  however,  too  faithlessly  from  the  prospect 
of  suffering. 

Extract  from  a  letter  to  a  friend,  Tenth  Month 
28th,  1819:  — 

"  My  experience  has  long  been  that  of  walking  through 
the  valley  to  which  I  see  not  the  end ;  yet  a  quiet  hope 
generally  prevails  that  I  shall  be  upheld  through  it ;  that 
it  may  be  the  passage  to  more  of  the  glorious  liberty  of 
the  children  of  God,  even  here.  But  should  it  prove  the 
"valley  of  the  shadow  of  death,"  still  I  believe  there  is 
cause  for  faith  and  confidence  that  the  good  Shepherd  will 
be  with  me ;  that  his  rod  and  his  staff  will  comfort  me.  I 
cannot  but  hope  that  this  wilderness  journey,  and  my  many 
low  estates,  will  be  blessed  in  more  effectually  shaking  all 
self-dependence,  and  in  leading  me  to  place  my  trust  more 
simply  and  more  faithfully  on  the  Saviour  as  our  only  hope 
of  glory.  I  do  truly  long  to  have  my  heart  more  enlarged 
in  humble  thankfulness  for  the  many  eminent  blessings 
granted  to  us  all,  and  to  dear  J.  J.  G.  and  Jane  in  so 
especial  a  manner,  enriched,  as  I  believe  they  are,  not 
only  by  the  fulness  of  the  earth  but  the  dew  of  heaven. 

About  the  28th  of  Tenth  Month  she  addressed 
a  letter  to  her  beloved  cousin  Maria  Fox,  from 
which  the  following  is  an  extract,  dated  from 
Hyde:  — 


1819.]  MEMOIR   OF    PRISCILLA   GURNET.  179 

Whilst  I  am  remarkably  withdrawn  from  actual  service, 
I  cannot  but,  I  believe,  more  than  ever  rejoice  for  those 
who  are  willing  in  life  and  conversation,  and  in  whatever 
way  they  may  be  called,  to  advocate  the  ever-blessed  cause 
and  gospel  of  the  Redeemer.     It  is  impossible  for  me  not 
to  encourage  all  to  draw  near  unto  Him,  to  sit  at  his  feet, 
and  to  hear  and  obey  his  word.     I  cannot  doubt  He  will 
still  be  thy  light  and  salvation,  and,  inasmuch  as  thou  art 
enabled  to  trust  in  Him,  the  strength  of  thy  life  in  every 
needful  time.     I  can  speak  a  little  from  solemn  experience, 
in  being  brought,  as  I  thought,  to  the  near  view  of  death 
and  eternity,  of  the  blessedness  of  those  who  are  the  faith- 
ful followers  of  the  Redeemer.     It  was  clearly  and  deeply 
manifested  to  me,  and  in  such  a  way  as,  I  trust,  may  never 
be  forgotten  by  me.     I  long  to  be  strengthened  myself, 
and  to  encourage  others  to  follow  Him :  I  cannot  see  any 
other  way,  than  through  humility  and  obedience,  of  coming 
to  that  experimental  knowledge  of  the  only  true  God  and 
of  Jesus  Christ  as  our  Saviour,  which  I  felt  more  strongly 
in  my  late  illness  than  I  ever  felt  before,  is  eternal  life. 
I  am  almost  ashamed  of  sending  forth  the  word  of  encou- 
ragement to  you,  when  I  am  leading  a  life  of  ease  and 
indulgence,  and  am  brought  to  a  state  of  much  poverty 
myself ;   I  do,  however,  I  hope,  accept  with  thankfulness 
this  season  of  rest  and  recreation  of  mind  and  body.    The 
apparent  probability  of  giving  up  the  present  life,  though 
solemn  and  awful,  was  not  without  a  sense  of  the  unspeak- 
able blessing  of  knowing  Christ  to  be  our  "resurrection 
and  our  life."     I  can  indeed  acknowledge  that  the  cross 
has  been  accompanied  with  inexpressible  mercy,  so  that  I 
ought  not  to  shrink,  as  my  weak  nature  is  sometimes  in- 
clined to  do,  from  .the  prospect,  as  it  were,  of  the  warfare. 
R.  and  I  enjoy  reading  together,  and  are  interested  in 


ISO  MEMOIR  OF   PRISCILLA  GURNET.  [1819. 

some  objects  for  the  poor,  though  in  the  most  limited  way. 
I  cannot  but  anxiously  desire  that  you  may  still  be  encou- 
raged (and  whoever  are  engaged  in  the  care  of  children,) 
in  watching  for  every  right  opening  for  their  religious  and 
scriptural  instruction.  I  cannot  very  well  express  in 
words  how  important  I  felt  this  object  to  be  in  the  Society 
during  my  illness.  To  have  the  truths  of  religion  early 
impressed  on  the  mind  appears  to  me  to  be  of  the  highest 
importance ;  what  may  be  for  a  long  time  as  only  the  dead 
letter,  often  arises  in  the  remembrance  with  "  newness  of 
life."  How  I  felt  this  in  the  time  of  deep  conflict ! 

Eleventh  Month  5th. — We  left  Ryde ;  not,  I  trust,  with- 
out some  thankful  sense  of  the  blessing  of  the  Lord.  We 
reached  the  Sand  Rock  Hotel  (at  Niton) ;  pleasantly  situ- 
ated, and  sheltered  by  the  rocks ;  commanding  a  fine  view 
of  the  sea.  A  most  comfortable  and  luxurious  retreat  from 
the  world  and  its  cares. 

10th. — Rachel  and  I  went  to  the  village  of  Niton  to  in- 
quire a  little  about  the  poor.  It  would  be  a  great  comfort 
if  a  door  for  some  little  usefulness  were  opened  for  us  here. 

LETTER  FROM  P.  G.  TO  A  BELOVED  FRIEND. 

I  do  not  know  how  to  express  to  thee  all  that  has  passed 
through  my  mind,  on  thy  account,  in  my  wakeful  hours 
this  morning.  I  longed  for  thy  encouragement  and  con- 
solation amidst  the  conflicts  which  attend  thy  path,  from 
without  and  from  within  ;  and  I  felt  with  unusual  comfort 
the  blessedness  of  that  language  of  the  dear  Redeemer, — 
"  Ye  are  they  which  have  continued  with  me  in  my  tempt- 
ations, and  I  appoint  unto  you  a  kingdom."  How  won- 
derfully is  the  tribulated  path  of  the  Christian  traveller  set 
forth  in  these  few  words,  and  how  glorious  and  animating 


1819.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  181 

is  such  an  end  to  his  pilgrimage,  even  an  entrance  into  the 
kingdom  of  his  Lord  !  During  my  illness,  and  in  my  sub- 
sequent state  of  weakness,  and  in  the  midst  of  many  con- 
flicts and  distressing  infirmities,  my  spirit  has  been  made, 
I  hope,  humbly  sensible  of  the  excellency  of  the  knowledge 
of  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord,  and  of  the  unsearchable  riches 
of  his  grace,  so  that  all  things  have  really  appeared  to  me 
as  "  loss"  in  comparison ;  and  I  could  almost  have  longed 
that  the  time  were  drawing  nigh,  when  I  might  be  released 
from  the  bondage  of  corruption,  and  be  made  partaker  of 
the  glorious  and  eternal  liberty  of  the  children  of  God.  It 
has  been  most  truly  worth  passing  through  much  suffering 
to  have  been  permitted,  as  it  were,  one  glimpse  within  the 
veil :  it  is  one  thing  to  hear,  and  to  speak,  and  to  exhort, 
on  the  love  of  Christ  and  the  joys  of  his  salvation,  and 
another  thing  to  feel  them.  I  hope  I  do  not  make  this 
acknowledgment  to  thee  of  some  of  the  inmost  thoughts 
of  my  heart  presumptuously :  never  was  I  more  feelingly 
made  sensible  of  my  own  nothingness  and  unworthiness, 
and  that  it  is  only  in  our  weakness  that  the  strength  of 
the  dear  Redeemer  can  be  made  perfect. 

First-day,  Eleventh  Month  14^.  —  After  a  restless 
night,  I  enjoyed  some  portion  of  sweet  peace  and  serenity 
of  mind  during  this  day.  I  was  made  sensible,  more  than 
usual,  of  the  precariousness  of  my  present  state  of  health, 
and  seriously  felt  the  importance  of  pressing  toward  the 
mark  for  the  prize.  Rachel  began  her  First-day  School 
with  some  encouragement. 

1.5th.  —  I  was  better  again.  A  quiet,  peaceful  and 
happy  day.  How  thankful  I  ought  to  be,  for  having 
every  want  supplied,  and  for  the  many  privileges  of  this 
situation ! 

16 


182  MEMOIR  OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  [1819 

2Qth.  —  This  last  week  has  been  one  of  sweet  peace  and 
composure  of  mind  and  spirit.  Our  dear  Lord,  in  his  own 
time,  after  leading  us  through  the  deep  waters,  and  giving 
us  a  taste  of  our  manifold  corruptions  and  infirmities,  is 
still  pleased  to  restore,  unto  his  poor,  dependent  children, 
the  joys  of  his  salvation.  They  have  been  clearly  mani- 
fested to  my  inmost  spirit,  and  I  have  felt  that  all  things 
are  but  as  loss  compared  to  the  excellency  of  the  know- 
ledge of  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord.  If  my  health  and 
strength  be  restored,  oh,  that  they  may  be  more  singly, 
more  faithfully  dedicated  unto  Him !  But  if  I  am  not  to 
return  to  the  world,  —  if  I  am  not  to  be  from  henceforth 
a  labourer  in  his  vineyard,  may  my  whole  spirit,  soul  and 
body,  be  preserved  blameless  unto  his  coming.  May  I  be 
redeemed  and  sanctified,  and  prepared  for  his  heavenly, 
holy  and  eternal  kingdom.  In  reviewing  the  volume  of 
my  journal,  I  desire  to  acknowledge,  with  deep  humility 
and  thankfulness,  the  loving-kindness  and  tender  mercies 
of  our  Lord.  My  dear  Redeemer  has  not  forsaken  me  in 
heights  and  depths.  His  Comforter  has  been  my  only 
sufficient  support  and  consolation,  —  my  only  safe  Guide, 
Light  and  Counsellor.  In  all  my  future  movements  may 
I  surrender  myself  entirely  to  Thee,  0  Lord !  May  I  be 
brought,  by  thy  own  Spirit,  to  desire,  that  not  my  will, 
but  thine  may  be  done. 

On  the  18th  of  the  following  month,  Priscilla 
Gurney  addressed  the  subjoined  letter  to  her  be- 
loved cousin,  Elizabeth  Barclay,  who  had  been 
one  of  the  two  dear  invalids  that  had  been  objects 
of  her  tenderly  affectionate  solicitude  during  the 
sojourn  at  Nice,  in  the  winter  of  1816-1817. 


1819.]  MEMOIR  OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  183 

Niton,  Twelfth  Month  18th,  1819. 

MY  DEAREST  ELIZABETH, 

My  heart  has  hecn  so  much,  so  nearly,  so  sweetly  with 
thee,  as  I  have  been  a  great  deal  in  my  bed  during  the 
last  few  days,  that  I  really  must  send  thee  a  letter.  How 
very  often  I  follow  thee  and  dear  Agatha  in  mind,  and 
retrace  the  scenes  of  interest  which  we  have  passed  through 
together.  Being  an  invalid,  and  nursed  and  watched  by 
dear  Rachel,  continually  recalls  you  to  my  mind.  I 
seldom  mount  my  pony  for  our  walk  without  having  thee 
before  me.  I  find  that  thou  hast  suffered  from  the  late 
very  cold  weather.  I  can  feel  for  thee  in  thy  illness  and 
infirmities ;  for,  though  I  do  not  compare  my  much 
slighter  indisposition  with  thine,  yet  I  often  suffer  enough 
to  make  me  turn  with  love  and  sympathy  towards  my  dear 
tried  companions  in  this  pilgrimage.  Thy  patience  and 
submission,  and  I  believe  I  may  add  thy  humble-minded- 
ness,  (I  do  not  attribute  these  Christian  graces  to  thyself,) 
are  comforting  and  encouraging  to  me.  I  can  desire  for 
thee,  my  beloved  cousin,  that  whatever  may  yet  be  the 
dispensation  of  a  merciful  Providence  towards  thee, 
whether  heights  or  depths,  thy  light  may  shine  more  and 
more  unto  the  perfect  day,  and  this  not  only  for  thy  own 
sake,  but  for  all  around  thee.  Surely  thy  illness  has, 
through  Divine  grace,  been  blessed  to  them,  as  well  as  to 
thyself.  I  have  found  that  my  infirmities  are  humbling, 
and  therefore  hope  to  find  them  a  profitable  lesson.  My 
whole  nervous  system  has  been  a  good  deal  affected  by 
my  illness,  so  that  occasionally  I  have  had  much  to  pass 
through.  I  have  had  a  deep  sense  and  taste  of  my  mani- 
fold weaknesses ;  but  I  have,  indeed,  cause  most  thank- 
fully to  acknowledge,  that  if  I  have  had  to  learn  more  of 
myself,  more  of  my  poverty  and  frailty,  and  of  the  prone- 


184  MEMOIR  OF   PRISCILLA.    GURNET.  [1819. 

ness  of  our  nature  to  evil  and  corruption,  I  have  also  ex- 
perienced and  seen  more  of  the  marvellous  power  of  the 
Redeemer  to  deliver  from  death  and  sin  than  I  ever  expe- 
rienced before ;  so  that  now  and  then  I  could  almost  unite 
in  the  language  of  the  Psalmist,  —  "Thou  hast  put  off 
my  sackcloth,  and  girded  me  with  gladness."  It  is  an  un- 
speakahle  blessing,  and  worth  suffering  for,  that  in  the 
midst  of  all  our  tribulations,  and  that  though  now  we  see 
through  a  glass  darkly,  yet  we  are  now  and  then  permitted 
to  have  a  clearer  view  of  an  eternal  state  of  rest  and  real 
blessedness ;  though  I  feel,  indeed,  so  little  prepared  to 
meet  suffering  and  death,  —  so  little  fitted  for  an  entrance 
into  that  state,  —  yet  I  must  confess  the  illness  I  have 
passed  through  has  had  the  effect,  I  believe,  of  weaning 
my  heart  from  the  wdrld.  I  feel,  at  times,  but  little  in- 
clination to  enter  into  the  cares  and  interests  of  life  again. 
I  have,  indeed,  for  a  time,  been  remarkably  and  most  un- 
expectedly taken  from  them;  and  our  present  profound 
retirement  and  seclusion  are  truly  accordant  to  my  taste 
of  mind  and  body.  Dearest  Rachel  is  a  comfortable  and 
delightful  companion  for  me,  and  we  are  thoroughly  happy 
together:  she  is  a  good  deal  interested  in  a  First-day 
School  here.  We  never,  I  think,  anywhere  met  with  the 
same  eager  spirit  to  attend  it  as  in  this  village.  I  should 
think  she  may  be  made  the  instrument  of  some  little  good 
in  this  place :  the  people  sadly  want  care  and  instruction, 
but  are  open-hearted,  and  very  pleasing.  As  for  me,  I 
am  indeed  laid  as  it  were  upon  the  shelf.  I  trust  I  feel 
that  there  are  many  blessings  —  many  privileges  in  this 
dispensation,  though  I  almost  dread  falling  into  habits  of 
indulgence  and  indolence  of  mind  as  well  as  body.  Rest 
is,  however,  I  believe,  permitted  to  be  my  portion  for  the 
present.  I  feel  my  separation  from  Friends  and  meetings, 


1819.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  185 

and  sometimes  long  for  the  sweet  and  precious  communion 
so  eminently,  to  my  mind,  to  be  enjoyed  amongst  them. 
But  I  trust  my  heart  is  in  some  measure  capable  of  loving 
and  uniting  "with  all  true  Christians,  feeling  that  we  have, 
indeed,  but  "  one  Lord,  one  faith,  one  baptism." 

In  the  same  month  she  writes  to  her  sister 
Louisa  Hoare  — 

Sand  Rock  Hotel,  Twelfth  Month  7th,  1819. 

The  last  two  or  three  months,  though  I  have  passed 
through  some  conflict  and  trials,  have  yet  been  a  period 
of  much  comfort,  and  often  of  tranquillity  and  peace  of 
mind,  and  especially  since  we  have  been  here.  I  never, 
that  I  remember,  experienced  so  much  of  the  wonderful 
consolations  of  the  Gospel,  or  was  so  deeply  sensible  of 
the  unsearchable  riches  of  the  Redeemer.  It  is,  indeed, 
an  unspeakable  blessing,  sometimes  during  our  pilgrimage 
here,  to  be  refreshed  by  the  view  of  an  eternal  state  of 
blessedness  and  rest.  This  has  been  more  realized  to  my 
mind  than  I  almost  ever  have  known  it  before ;  and  I  long 
for  myself,  and  for  those  most  near  to  me,  that  we  could, 
with  more  faith  and  submission  of  will,  "  count  all  things 
but  as  loss,  that  we  may  win  Christ  and  be  found  in  Him," 
&c.  I  am  inclined  very  weakly  to  shrink  from  entering 
into  the  conflicts,  cares  and  interests  of  life  again,  I  have 
been  so  sheltered  from  them  for  a  time.  It  is  in  vain, 
however,  to  expect,  and  we  ought  not  to  desire,  to  find 
our  resting-place  here. 

Twelfth  Month  25th.  —  My  mind  engaged  on  the  sub- 
ject of  love.  Oh,  how  wonderfully  comprehensive  are  the 
Scriptures  on  this  Christian  grace  !  I  reviewed  this  morn- 
ing many  years  that  are  past  and  gone.  "  The  ways  of 


186  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNEY.  [1819. 

the  Lord  are  unsearchable,  and  his  judgments  past  finding 
out." 

Twelfth  Month  2Qth.  —  I  was  permitted  this  morning 
to  feel  the  efficacy  and  consolation  of  prayer,  and  enabled 
to  cast  my  burdens  (and  they  are  often  weighty,  but  none 
so  overwhelming  as  sin,)  on  the  Lord  my  Saviour.  He 
knoweth  that  my  way  is  often  in  the  depths,  that  my  future 
is  involved  in  clouds ;  but  He  can  make  it  plain. 

28th. — My  religious  services  have  been  much  obstructed 
of  late,  but  the  spring  is  yet  sometimes  opened.  I  felt 
this  after  our  morning  reading ;  and  we  were,  I  trust,  per- 
mitted to  approach  the  throne  of  grace  in  prayer,  through 
Jesus  Christ,  our  only  Mediator  and  Advocate. 

Twelfth  Month  31st.  —  Our  Bible  communications  with 
our  dear  friends  are  exceedingly  to  my  comfort.  The 
evening  was  solemn,  and  we  were  called  to  some  serious 
reflection  upon  the  past  year.  My  spirit  was  a  little  bur- 
dened ;  but  I  found  no  opening 'for  relief.  We  must  indeed 
wait  on  the  Lord  till  He  is  pleased  to  renew  our  strength, 
till  He  lift  up  the  light  of  his  countenance  upon  us  in  the 
midst  of  our  darkness. 


1820.]  MEMOIR  OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  187 


CHAPTER    IV. 

1820-1821. 

Priscilla  Gurney  Returns  from  the  Isle  of  Wight  to  Earlham  — 
Recurrence  of  Alarming  Indisposition  —  Is  removed  to  the  Coast 
—  Settles  at  Cromer  Hall  —  Last  Illness  and  Death. 

First  Month  1st,  1820.  —  A  day  of  much  serious  and 
solemn  feeling.  In  the  morning  I  had  to  plead  for  the 
renewings  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  which  prayer  I  feel  to  be 
mercifully  answered.  A  fine  winter's  morning.  We  con- 
tinued our  village  visits,  and  I  felt  some  increased  capacity 
for  exertion.  A  letter  in  the  afternoon  from  dear  Chenda, 
giving  a  most  affecting  account  of  a  shipwreck  on  their 
coast  (near  Yarmouth).  Well  may  we  say, — "  Thy  ways, 
0  Lord  !  are  past  finding  out."  My  whole  mind,  during 
this  day,  seemed  clothed  with  the  spirit  of  self-humiliation, 
and  of  supplication  in  the  beginning  of  yet  another  year. 
After  our  reading,  the  springs  were  mercifully  opened,  and 
a  little  utterance  was  given  me.  We  were,  I  believe, 
unitedly  brought  to  humble  ourselves,  and  to  know  some- 
thing of  a  deep  sense  of  the  necessity  of  repentance  before 
our  God,  in  remembering  the  transgressions  and  manifold 
weaknesses  of  our  lives  during  the  past  year  :  at  least,  this 
was  strongly  my  own  individual  impression.  I  felt  called 
upon  to  commend  our  little  community  here,  as  well  as  our 
beloved  friends  absent  from  us,  to  the  tender  mercy — the 
directing  and  preserving  care  of  the  Good  Shepherd,  with 
the  desire  that  our  bein£  withdrawn  for  a  season  from  the 


158  MEMOIR    OF    PEISCILLA   GURNET.  [1820. 

world,  and  brought  into  our  present  circumstances,  may  be 
a  means  of  edification  to  our  souls,  and,  if  it  please  the 
Lord  our  Saviour,  of  good  also  to  our  fellow-creatures.  It 
was  indeed  the  sincere  and  fervent  prayer  of  my  heart  for 
myself,  and  for  those  most  near  and  dear  to  me,  that, 
whatever  may  be  the  dispensations  of  our  God  towards  us 
during  the  year  on  which  we  have  now  entered,  neither 
life  nor  death,  heights  nor  depths,  things  present  nor  yet 
to  come,  may  be  able  to  separate  us  from  the  love  of  God 
which  is  in  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord.  We  parted  this  even- 
ing in  love,  and,  I  fully  believe,  in  a  measure  of  the  unity 
of  the  Spirit  in  the  bond  of  peace ;  and  my  poor,  weak, 
and  often  depressed  spirit,  was,  through  the  mercy  of  the 
dear  Redeemer,  a  little  refreshed  and  comforted  in  the 
Lord. 

First-day,  First  Month  3rd.  —  An  impressive  family 
reading ;  after  which  I  had  to  say  a  few  words  on  the  im- 
portant text, — "  Blessed  are  those  servants  that  are  found 
watching,"  &c.  Examination  of  the  past  year  :  this  should 
be  instrumental  to  our  preservation  for  the  time  to  come — 
being  always  ready. 

7th. — One  of  our  delightful  and  peaceful  days. 

$th. — We  had  the  comforting  intelligence  of  our  dearest 
Hannah's*  being  safely  confined  with  another  girl.  I 
trust  our  hearts  were  bowed  in  thankfulness  to  the  Father 
of  Mercies,  from  whom  cometh  every  good  and  perfect 
gift :  this  I  had  to  express  in  a  few  words  after  our  family 
reading. 

First-day,  10th. — A  day  of  more  serenity  and  peace  of 
mind  than  I  have  for  some  time  enjoyed. 

llth.  —  The  weather  cold:  my  chest  indifferent:  my 
spirit  encompassed  with  clouds. 

*  Her  sister  Buxton. 


1820.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  189 


.  —  Rachel  went  to  the  village  and  visited  the  poor. 
How  completely  are  all  my  abilities  laid  low  !  May  the 
many  humiliating  and  proving  lessons  that  I  have  lately 
received  teach  me  to  live  more  unto  Thee,  0  Lord  !  and 
less  unto  myself. 

ISth.  —  Some  conversation  with  dear  Rachel  on  my 
future  prospects.  May  I  have  no  choice  of  my  own,  as  it 
regards  my  future  path,  but  commit  it  wholly  and  simply 
.to  God.  In  this  alone  I  find  rest  and  peace. 

21s£.  —  T.  W.  (a  clergyman  from  Ryde)  left  us,  after 
being,  I  trust,  united  in  prayer  that  we  might  together  be 
made  partakers  of  the  love  of  God  that  passeth  know- 
ledge. 

EXTRACT   FROM   A   LETTER   TO    HER    SISTER   HOARE. 

Sand  Rock,  Seventh-day  Evening,  First  Month  23rd,  1820. 

We  shall  not  I  think  forget  to  visit  one  another  in  mind 
to-morrow.  It  is  very  sweet  (and  how  much  ought  it  to  be 
cultivated)  to  unite  in  communion  on  our  "  Sabbath"  days. 
It  is  now  nearly  five  months  since  my  First-days  have  been 
spent  in  retirement,  and  very  much  in  solitude.  I  am 
sure  they  ought  to  be  profitable  to  my  own  mind.  I  too 
often,  however,  suffer  from  languor  of  spirit  as  well  as 
body.  The  thought  of  meeting  you  all  again  is  very  de- 
lightful. Sometimes  I  shrink  a  little  from  the  prospect 
of  re-entering  the  stage  of  life.  Nothing,  however,  can 
be  more  unwise,  or  indeed  more  unfaithful,  than  to  be 
apprehensive  for  the  future,  when  everything  ought  to 
make  us  "trust  and  not  be  afraid."  The  best  way  to  se- 
cure tranquillity  of  mind  is  to  confine  our  views  to  the 
present,  and  to  commit  ourselves  unreservedly  to  Him, 
who  can  do  all  things  for  us,  and  give  us  strength  in  our 
weakness.  How  I  sometimes  long  for  more  of  this  spirit 
for  and  about  myself  and  others  ! 


190  MEMOIR  OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  1820. 

First  Month  24th.  —  Dear  Rachel  and  I  were  together 
this  morning,  and  were  permitted,  through  the  sweet  in- 
fluence of  the  Spirit,  to  be  united  in  prayer,  both  for  our- 
selves and  for  the  absent  members  of  our  scattered  family, 
as  well  as  for  all  the  members  of  the  Church  of  Christ. 
It  is  truly  a  blessed  thing  to  feel  that  we  are  partakers  of 
the  same  hope  —  having  "one  Lord,  one  faith,  one  bap- 
tism," one  Father  over  all.  Our  evening  sweet  and  uniting. 
I  had  to  say  a  few  words  on  the  importance  of  our  being 
doers  of  the  Word  and  not  hearers  only.  Oh,  may  every 
fresh  experience  lead  us  more  humbly,  more  earnestly,  to 
the  prayer, — "  Lead  us  in  thy  truth  and  teach  us." 

First-day,  31s£.  —  A  day  of  much  peace  and  encou- 
ragement to  me :  less  care  for  the  future :  some  reliance 
on  the  power  and  mercy  of  the  Redeemer,  whose  arm  is 
not  shortened  that  it  cannot  save,  nor  his  ear  heavy  that 
it  cannot  hear.  I  wrote  a  little  on  the  subject  of  love  and 
family  harmony. 

In  directing  the  attention  of  the  reader  to  the 
instructive  observations  which  were  now  penned 
by  the  dear  invalid,  (as  referred  to  in  the  last 
entry  in  her  journal,)  it  may  well  be  accompanied 
by  some  reflections  on  the  remarkable  evidence, 
afforded  by  the  circumstances  of  the  Earlham 
family,  of  the  practical  influence  of  Priscilla 
Gurney's  sentiments,  not  only  on  her  own  mind, 
but  also  upon  each  one  of  the  interesting  circle. 
Whilst,  as  it  referred  to  their  religious  course, 
some  of  them  trod  in  paths  that  led  into  external 
observances  varying  much  from  the  track  con- 
scientiously pursued  by  others  of  the  household 


1820.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCTLLA   GURNET.  191 

and  nearest  connexions,  there  was,  throughout, 
preserved  amongst  them  a  very  careful  and  tender 
regard  to  the  feelings  of  each  one,  with  a  most 
affectionate  and  constant  solicitude  for  the  welfare 
and  comfort  of  all;  and,  under  circumstances  of 
sickness  or  affliction,  thej*  exhibited  a  rare  example 
of  self-sacrificing  devotedness  of  every  energy  of 
body  and  mind  to  console  and  to  assist  the  beloved 
ones  who  were  in  suffering  or  in  sorrow. 

ON   CHRISTIAN   LOVE   AND   FAMILY   HARMONY. 

The  command  to  love  one  another  from  the  highest 
authority,  is  taught  not  only  by  the  doctrines,  but  by  the 
example  of  our  Lord,  who  went  about  doing  good,  "  This 
is  my  commandment,  that  ye  love  one  another  as  I  have 
loved  you." — John  xv.  12.  "A  new  commandment  I 
give  unto  you,  that  ye  love  one  another  as  I  have  loved 
you;  that  ye  also  love  one  another."  —  John  xiii.  34. 
There  are  few  things  that  I  have  so  much  desired  in  Chris- 
tian communities  as  that  this  holy  influence  of  love  were 
a  more  actuating  and  prevailing  principle  amongst  them. 
We  see  much  of  universal  benevolence,  but  the  prevalence 
of  Christian  love  in  domestic  life  is  still  evidently  but  too 
deficient  and  imperfect.  It  is  so  much  a  general  feeling 
that  the  ties  of  natural  affection  are  sufficient  for  domestic 
union  and  harmony ;  but  there  are  innumerable  proofs 
that  this  is  but  a  transitory  and  frail  bond,  unless  sup- 
ported by  the  discipline  of  Christian  and  Divine  love ; 
whereas  this  holy,  and  blessed,  and  sanctifying  principle, 
gives  strength  and  stability  to  natural  affection;  being 
itself  of  a  pure  and  eternal  nature,  it  gives  the  same 
stamp  to  relationships  and  unions  begun  in  this  life.  It 


192  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA    GURNET.  [1820. 

is  impossible  that  Christian  love  can  prevail  unless  self-love 
be  brought  under  subjection,  and  we  are  called  upon  to 
practise  forbearance  and  self-denial  even  in  the  enjoyment 
of  the  nearest  and  dearest  ties  in  life.  We  must  love  our 
neighbour  as  ourselves ;  we  must  do  unto  others  as  we 
would  be  done  unto ;  we  must  in  honour  prefer  one 
another.  Now,  I  think  we  see  that  these  injunctions  are 
often  more  practically  obeyed  and  observed  by  Christians 
in  their  general  intercourse  with  others,  than  with  their 
families  in  their  private  and  domestic  life.  It  is  a  great 
error  that  even  religious  characters  are  too  apt  to  fall 
into,  to  suppose  that  we  do  not  want  to  have  our  natural 
affections  regulated  by  Divine  love :  the  former,  unas- 
sisted by  the  latter,  will  never  teach  us  to  suffer  long  and 
be  kind,  to  envy  not,  to  seek  not  our  own,  to  bear  all 
things,  to  hope  all  things,  to  believe  all  things.  It  is, 
surely,  from  this  cause  that  we  see  so  little  family  union 
and  harmony  amongst  Christians,  too  rarely  in  much  per- 
fection even  among  those  of  high  spiritual  attainments  in 
other  points.  It  is  very  delightful  where  we  witness 
charity  (in  its  most  extensive  sense),  thus  to  begin  at 
home.  The  important  subject  of  family  harmony  has  of 
late  much  engaged  my  attention,  and  I  have  been  led  to 
reflect  on  those  principles  which  can  alone  insure  it,  and 
on  those  causes  which  too  lamentably  prevent  its  preva- 
lence in  the  world.  The  nearer,  the  closer,  the  dearer 
the  natural  connexion,  the  more  important  does  this  solid 
foundation  and  cementing  influence  become.  The  nature 
of  human  affection  is  to  diminish,  to  fall  away.  Divine 
love  is  not  opposed  to  natural  affection,  but  gives  it 
strength,  value,  and  duration.  Natural  love  finds  no  full 
satisfaction,  but  Christian  love  alters  its  character  and 
gives  it  that  which  is  satisfying,  complete,  and  lasting. 


1820.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  193 

Natural  love  is  selfish,  but,  sanctified  by  Divine  love,  it 
becomes  disinterested  and  generous.  The  principles  first 
to  be  looked  for  as  the  fruits  of  this  love  are,  religious 
union  and  religious  liberty.  Real  Christians  must  be 
united  in  essential  points.  If  Christians  at  all,  they  must 
have  "one  Lord,  one  faith,  one  baptism,  one  God  and 
Father  of  all,  who  is  above  all,  —  and  in  all."  But  such 
is  the  imperfect  state  of  the  church  -  militant  on  earth, 
that  these  essential  and  vital  truths  are  viewed  through 
different  mediums.  The  application  of  these  truths  to 
individual  experience  may  be  a  little  different  in  their 
religious  services  and  Christian  practice  :  "  There  are  di- 
versities of  gifts,  but  the  same  spirit ;  and  there  are  differ- 
ences of  administrations,  but  the  same  Lord ;  and  diver- 
sities of  operations,  but  it  is  the  same  God  who  worketh 
all  in  all."  How  deeply  it  is  to  be  lamented,  that  these 
little  differences  among  Christians  should  be  more  sepa- 
rating, than  the  essential  grounds  of  union  should  be 
uniting.  We  must,  then,  if  we  would  love  one  another 
according  to  the  commandment  of  our  Saviour,  diligently 
cultivate  such  a  spirit,  as  well  as  conduct,  of  religious 
liberty,  as  would  lead  us  to  forbear  one  with  another  in 
love.  We  must  cherish  the  feelings  of  interest  in  one 
another's  welfare.  We  must  "watch  unto  prayer"  for 
those  we  love  as  well  as  for  ourselves,  but  we  must  suspend 
the  spirit  of  judgment.  It  would  be  pleasant,  indeed, 
always  to  walk  in  the  same  path,  and  especially  to  go  to- 
gether "to  the  House  of  God  in  company;"  but  since 
this  cannot  be,  in  the  present  state  of  things,  we  must 
chiefly  desire  that  the  will  of  the  Lord  may  be  done.  We 
must  look  with  a  single  eye  unto  Him ;  must  remember 
his  injunction  to  Peter,  —  "If  I  will,"  &c.,  " what  is  that 
to  thee?  Follow  thou  me."  On  looking  a  little  to  this 
17 


194  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  [1820. 

principle  of  religious  liberty,  as  tending  to  promote  unity 
and  family  harmony,  it  is  still  evident  that  the  more  com- 
plete be  the  union  and  understanding  on  religious  subjects, 
the  more  perfect  must  be  this  harmony.  And  it  therefore 
appears  to  me  a  matter  of  essential  importance,  that  in 
connexions  of  marriage  there  should  be  similarity  of  view 
and  union  of  heart  and  of  mind,  on  the  lesser,  as  well  as 
on  the  greater  points  of  Christian  faith  and  practice.  To 
walk  in  the  same  path,  to  partake  of  the  same  refresh- 
ment, to  be  united  in  the  same  objects,  to  have  one  mind 
with  regard  to  their  families  and  households,  to  be  enabled 
to  strengthen  one  another's  hands  in  their  daily  walk  in 
life,  —  must  greatly  tend  to  their  domestic  happiness  and 
good.  This  complete  union,  therefore,  should  be  earnestly 
desired  in  this  most  close  and  near  connexion,  and  it  must 
be  considered  a  great  risk  and  very  imprudent,  to  enter 
upon  it  without  this  accordance.  If,  however,  differences 
of  views  on  these  important  subjects  should  arise,  then, 
in  proportion  as  the  connexion  is  near,  should  be  the 
watchfulness,  that  forbearance  in  love  may  be  experienced 
one  towards  the  other,  that  the  spirit  of  religious  liberty 
may  be  cherished,  that  the  essential  points  of  union  may 
be  kept  alive  in  the  heart  and  cultivated,  and  that  the 
points  of  discussion  may  be  kept  out  of  sight ;  and  be  in 
no  wise  suffered  to  occasion  any  breach  of  love.  This 
holds  good,  also,  in  all  the  relations  of  life,  —  parents  to- 
wards children,  children  towards  parents,  and  brothers 
and  sisters  towards  one  another.  Let  parents  diligently 
implant  in  the  minds  of  their  children  those  principles 
and  views  which  appear  to  them  the  most  accordant  with 
the  truth.  If,  after  the  most  watchful  care  and  example, 
the  result  should  be  a  want  of  that  conformity  which  they 
have  desired,  let  not  these  things,  more  than  can  possibly 


1820.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCTLLA   GURNET.  195 

be  helped,  occasion  a  breach  of  love  and  union,  and  of 
family  harmony.  And,  on  the  other  hand,  let  children 
yield  as  much  as  their  conscience  will  allow  them,  to  the 
judgment  and  wishes  of  their  parents :  they  are  called 
upon  to  honour  their  parents,  and  nothing  but  the  will  of 
God  should  be  stronger  to  them  than  the  will  of  their 
parents. 

Second  Month  3<f,  1820.  —  In  the  afternoon  our  dearest 
Samuel,  with  his  boy  and  R.  F.,  arrived.  Very  interesting 
it  was  to  meet  again. 

4th. —  Our  whole  party  excursed  to  Shanklin.  We 
walked  afterwards  to  Black-gang-chine. 

First-day,  1th.  — We  had  a  little  meeting  together. 
Evening  reading  with  all  the  party.  We  were,  before 
reading,  drawn  together  under  the  sweet  influence  of  the 
Spirit,  and  I  had  to  express  a  few  words  on  the  hope  that, 
not  only  were  we  united  here,  but  that  we  might  look  for- 
ward to  be  joined  together  in  communion  in  eternity. 

8th. — All  our  party  went  to  Ryde.  We  parted,  I  trust 
comfortably,  with  dear  Samuel,  &c. ;  but  I  could  not  be 
easy  to  separate  without  ^commending  one  another  to  the 
constant,  sure,  and  preserving  care  of  the  Shepherd  of 
Israel. 

13^/j. — A  sweet  and  peaceful  day.  I  felt  my  clouds  to 
be  mercifully  removed,  and  the  Sun  of  Righteousness  to 
arise  with  healing  in  his  wings. 

2lst.  —  My  breath  very  poorly;  but  I  have  lately  felt 
much  internal  quietness  and  peace,  which  compensates  for 
every  external  deprivation.  I  desire  to  be  thankful  for 
the  calmness  and  ease  which  is  at  this  time  granted  me 
about  the  present  and  the  future. 

Third  Month  3tZ. — In  the  house  all  day,  and  but  poorly. 
I  was,  I  trust,  enabled  with  some  little  faith  to  commit 


196  MEMOIR   OF   PR1SC1LLA   GURNET.  [1820. 

my  life  and  spirit  into  the  hands  of  my  dear  Redeemer. 
Oh,  how  great,  how  unspeakable  the  privilege,  to  feel  that, 
whether  we  live  or  die,  we  are  the  Lord's  ! 

Second-day,  6th.  —  I  was  very  weak  and  low  in  spirits, 
and  under  the  influence  of  much  mental  conflict.  "  Who 
can  deliver  us  from  the  hody  of  this  death  ?  I  thank  God 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord  !"  In  almost  the  deepest 
conviction  I  ever  had  of  the  sinfulness  of  my  own  heart, 
and  the  power  of  the  enemy.  I  have  also  at  times  expe- 
rienced the  truth,  the  efficacy,  and  power  of  this  victory. 

The  disease  which  had  so  seriously  prostrated 
the  bodily  powers  of  the  beloved  invalid  had  been, 
for  a  time,  arrested  in  its  progress ;  but  its  insidious 
operation  was  not  eradicated.  She  left  the  Isle  of 
Wight  in  the  Fourth  Month,  and  returned  to  Earl- 
ham.  Her  spirit  was,  at  this  time,  introduced  into 
much  sorrowful  sympathy  with  her  beloved  brother 
and  sister  Buxton,  who  were  bereft  of  three  lovely 
children  in  the  short  space  of  five  weeks.  This 
affecting  circumstance  producing,  in  her  very  sen- 
sitive condition,  a  degree  of  physical  excitement, 
caused  a  return  of  the  hemorrhage,  and  from  this 
time  she  became  increasingly  ill.  Of  this  renewed 
indisposition  she  writes  to  one  of  her  sisters:  — 

Earlham,  Fifth  Month  7th,  1820. 

Once  more,  my  dear,  I  must  write  to  thee  from  my  bed, 
to  which  I  have  been  closely  confined  for  the  last  four  days. 
C.,  I  hope,  told  thee  all  the  particulars  of  this  attack.  It 
was  most  unexpected  to  me.  I  have,  indeed,  cause  to  be 
very  thankful  for  having,  in  every  way,  been  mercifully 


1820.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  197 

dealt  with  in  this  illness.  I  have  been  kept  in  much  quiet- 
ness of  mind,  and  been  enabled  to  feel,  in  some  degree, 
what  is  the  joy  and  peace  of  believing,  when  our  hold  on 
this  life  is  shaken ;  still  this  has  been  accompanied  with 
much  infirmity.  The  sensitiveness  of  my  nervous  system 
is  always  some  trial  in  illness,  and,  with  other  deeper 
faults  and  weaknesses,  ought  to  be  very  humbling.  What 
are  likely  to  be  the  effects  of  this  attack  we  cannot  yet 
tell.  I  confess  I  have  felt  this  return  seriously,  and  to 
my  own  mind  it  makes  the  prospect  of  recovery  more 
doubtful  than  ever ;  but  I  truly  desire  to  leave  this  and 
all  my  concerns  to  a  better  wisdom  and  care  than  our  own. 

To  another  sister  — 

Fifth  Month  12th,  1820. 

I  have  often,  through  the  Divine  blessing,  (for  truly  we 
have  nothing  of  ourselves,)  possessed  much  quietness  and 
composure  of  mind,  —  something  of  that  peace  which  can 
only  be  felt  and  enjoyed  when  we  are  kept,  by  the  power 
and  mercy  of  God,  stayed  upon  him,  as  our  Saviour  and 
Redeemer.  So  much  for  the  infirmities  of  the  flesh.  I 
must  not  enlarge  upon  the  much  deeper  and  more  pressing 
infirmities  of  the  mind  and  spirit.  After  all,  the  evils  of 
our  own  hearts  are  our  greatest  trials ;  at  least  I  am  sure 
I  find  this  to  be  increasingly  my  experience.  I  am  at 
times  low  and  cast  down  in  spirit ;  but  this  is  not  to  be 
wondered  at :  the  afflictions  of  our  beloved  brother  and 
sister,  which  are  also  our  own,  must  overshadow  every 
enjoyment,  and  the  things  of  this  life  must  be  clouded  for 
the  present.  We  are  called  upon  patiently  to  submit  to 
our  portion  of  suffering,  and  most  thankfully  to  acknow- 
ledge the  consolations  and  Divine  support  which  have 
attended  this  deep  family  trial.  Our  blessings  have  been 
17* 


198  MEMOIR   OF   PKISCILLA   GURNET.  [1820. 

and  are  abundant :  we  may  believe  that  our  afflictions  are 
amongst  the  best  of  them. 

TO   F.   AND   E.    CUNNINGHAM, 
(Then  in  France.) 

Earlham,  Sixth  Month  20th,  1820. 

MY  DEAREST  F.  AND  C.} 

I  hope  you  will  have  received  C.'s  letters,  giving  an 
account  of  this  return  of  the  bleeding.  I  have  been  re- 
covering very  favourably.  I  do,  I  hope,  feel  very  thankful 
for  having  been  thus  mercifully  and  comfortably  brought 
through  this  little  illness ;  but  it  is  still  a  greater  blessing 
that  I  have  been  kept  (for  I  am  sure  we  cannot  keep  our- 
selves) in  a  quiet  and  composed  state  of  mind,  and  I  have 
felt  more  sensible  comfort  and  consolation  than  for  a  long 
time  past ;  indeed,  this  best  help  has  sometimes  been  so 
present  to  me,  that  I  have  felt  more  reconciled  to  the  por- 
tion of  suffering  and  trial,  which  we  may  be  sure  has  been 
in  mercy  and  wisdom  administered  to  us.  I  have  longed 
that  we  all,  in  our  various  allotments,  may  keep  near  to 
Him  who  is  our  Head,  and  that  there  we  may  quietly  rest, 
and  seek  more  and  more  for  a  spirit  of  submission  and 
acquiescence  with  whatever  is  dispensed.  We  have  many 
of  us  had  a  time  of  discipline  lately :  I  have  felt  this  my- 
self. I  value  being  at  home  much :  there  is  a  rest  in  it 
which  no  other  place  or  situation  can  yield.  I  hope, 
dearest  C.,  thou  wilt  not  feel  anxious  about  me.  As  far 
as  I  am  able  to  judge,  I  have  not  one  symptom  in  my  pre- 
sent state  to  excite  serious  anxiety ;  still  it  is  impossible 
not  to  feel  the  doubtfulness  of  entire  recovery.  I  cannot 
say  it  is  much  my  own  expectation ;  I  have  for  so  long  a 
time  been  getting  gradually  lower  and  lower,  and  my 
cough  is  so  very  tenacious.  I  am  not  at  all  anxious.  Such 


1820.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  199 

a  pause  ought,  I  am  sure,  to  be  a  time  of  preparation  either 
for  life  or  death.  It  is  as  much  our  privilege  as  it  is  our 
duty,  to  endeavour  to  resign  our  own  will,  and  to  commit 
our  way  entirely  to  our  Lord,  who  can  only  bring  it  to  pass 
to  His  glory  and  our  good.  I  have  felt  my  separation  from 
dear  R.  C.  It  is  also  a  serious  loss  to  have  so  kind  and 
devoted  a  friend  as  Dr.  H.  withdrawn,  whilst  I  have  been 
so  poorly ;  and  yet  I  can  often  be  thankful  when  human 
dependencies  are  taken  away,  if  it  be  a  means  of  fixing 
our  hearts  more  on  that  help  which  is  from  above. 

In  a  letter  to  the  physician,  Dr.  Hamilton,  who 
had  assiduously  endeavoured  to  promote  her  reco- 
very during  her  residence  on  the  Isle  of  Wight, 
she  says,  under  date  Earlham,  Sixth  Month, 
1820:  — 

One  other  thing  of  much  more  importance  has  dwelt 
much  on  my  mind  about  thee,  and  therefore  I  shall  express 
it  in  writing,  though  I  have  often  done  it  in  conversation. 
It  is  chiefly  to  tell  thee  how  rejoiced  and  thankful  I  am 
that  thou  art  not  disposed  to  cleave  to  any  particular  party 
in  religion.  I  do  truly  and  warmly  desire  for  thee  that 
thy  heart  may  be  more  and  more  enlarged  in  the  love  of 
the  gospel,  and  be  enabled,  in  this  love,  to  make  allow- 
ance for  the  "  differences  of  administrations  and  of  opera- 
tions," which  we  still  see  are  permitted  to  exist  in  the 
church  of  Christ.  I  cannot  help  thinking  there  is  some 
real  danger  in  the  present  day  of  a  more  exclusive  spirit 
among  some  Christians  than  the  scriptures  at  all  justify. 
I  have  been  particularly  struck  with  the  thirteenth  of 
Corinthians,  as  applicable  to  individual  practice,  and  as  a 
part  of  Scripture  which  can  hardly  be  too  much  dwelt 


200"  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA    GURNET.  [1820. 

upon  by  Christians,  and  as  rather  peculiarly  applicable  in 
the  present  times :  "  Though  I  understand  all  mysteries 
and  all  knowledge,  and  though  I  have  all  faith,"  &c., 
"and  have  not  charity,  I  am  nothing."  When  we  see  the 
evils  which  are  in  the  world,  the  great  proneness  to  imper- 
fection in  all  parties  in  the  church  militant,  and  above  all, 
when  we  feel  the  depth  of  corruption  of  the  human  heart, 
well  may  we  pray  and  heartily  desire  that  the  truth,  as  it 
is  in  Jesus,  may  be  preserved  in  its  purity  and  fulness  and 
excellency  amongst  us. 

About  two  weeks  after  the  foregoing,  she  ad- 
dressed her  beloved  cousin  Hannah  C.  Backhouse : 

Earlham,  Sixth  Month  30th,  1820. 

The  future  is  entirely  in  obscurity  to  me,  nor  do  I  wish 
to  penetrate  it,  but  rather  confine  my  views  to  the  present, 
seeking,  day  by  day,  for  the  gift  (for  I  am  sure  it  is  nothing 
of  our  own,)  of  a  meek  and  quiet  spirit,  which  can  enable 
us  to  receive  our  daily  bread  with  thankfulness  and  con- 
tentment. I  am  thankful  to  say  I  am  able  very  much  to 
leave  the  past.  I  have  sometimes  felt  that  if  I  had  more 
faith,  more  child-like  obedience,  my  situation  might  in 
some  things  have  been  different,  and  my  life  more  fruit- 
ful ;  but  we  cannot  judge  ourselves,  "  there  is  One  that 
judgeth."  Nothing  I  have  found  availingly  consoling,  in 
illness  and  the  prospect  of  death,  but  looking  to  that 
mercy  and  redemption  which  covers  our  transgressions 
and  forgives  our  sins  ;  but  how  little  and  how  imperfectly 
do  I  comprehend,  or  really  take  home,  the  fulness  of  the 
gospel  dispensation  ! 

The  air  of  Cromer  being  considered  more  favour- 
able for  her  restoration  than  that  of  an  inland  resi- 


1820.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  201 

dence,  she  was  induced  to  remove  thither  in  the 
early  part  of  the  Seventh  Month.  At  that  place 
she  writes,  for  the  last  time,  in  her  journal :  — 

Seventh  Month  20M,  1820.  —  My  present  life  presents 
so  remarkably  shifting  a  scene,  that  I  am  become  weary 
of  relating  every  little  particular ;  yet  I  wish,  for  my  own 
sake,  and  perhaps  that  of  others,  to  note  down  the  prin- 
cipal occurrences  ;  having  still,  and  in  all  things,  to  declare 
the  goodness,  power,  and  mercy  of  the  Redeemer,  —  of 
Him  who  remains  the  same  yesterday,  to-day,  and  for  ever. 
We  left  our  quiet  and  peaceful  abode  in  the  Isle  of  Wight 
on  the  llth  of  Fourth  Month,  and  ended  our  sojourn  there, 
upon  the  whole,  satisfactorily,  though  under  a  heavy  cloud 
from  the  afflictions  of  our  beloved  Fowell  and  Hannah. 
The  loss  of  their  dear  children  has  been  almost  the  hea- 
viest trial  we  have  ever  sustained,  and  has  cast  the  deepest 
shade  over  our  temporal  prosperity  and  enjoyment ;  but  I 
humbly  trust  a  little  of  that  faith  which  overcometh  the 
world  hath  supported  us,  especially  their  bereaved  and 
afflicted  parents.  The  Everlasting  Arm  has  been  under- 
neath to  sustain  ;  but  the  conflicts  of  the  last  two  months, 
to  some  in  our  circle,  have  been  of  no  light  nature.  Our 
Redeemer  has  been  surely  visiting  our  spirits  as  the 
Refiner  and  Purifier,  and  we  have  had  to  partake,  not  only 
of  the  baptism  of  the  Spirit,  but  also  of  fire ;  this  has  often 
been  my  individual  experience.  I  left  my  dearest  Rachel 
(so  long  my  companion  and  nurse,)  and  accompanied 
Joseph  to  Earlham,  leaving  our  beloved  circle  in  much  dis- 
tress. My  heart  seemed  torn  by  this  sudden,  but  appa- 
rently necessary,  separation  from  them  all.  These  con- 
flicts, with  other  causes,  brought  on  a  serious  illness  after 
my  return  home  in  the  Fourth  Month.  I  was  most  ten- 


202  MEMOIR    OF    PRISCILLA  GURNET.  [1820. 

derly  nursed  by  dearest  J.  and  J — e,  and  E.  R.  soon  after 
joined  us  from  Fakenham ;  but  my  whole  body  and  spirit 
seemed  deeply  wounded,  and  I  often  doubted  whether  I 
ever  should  recover  the  effects  of  it ;  but  surely  the  voice 
of  the  Lord  is  more  powerful  than  the  noise  of  many 
waters,  and  this  I  have  experienced.  I  spent  three 
months  at  home,  in  which  I  had  some  serious  illness,  much 
close  confinement,  but,  through  great  mercy,  comparatively 
little  bodily  suffering.  Upon  the  whole  I  have  been  per- 
mitted to  partake  of  much  peace  and  serenity  of  mind ; 
and  occasionally  something  of  that  bright  hope  which  is 
unspeakable  and  full  of  glory ;  and  I  have  much  enjoyed 
having  dear  Catherine  as  my  frequent  companion,  and 
being  once  more  at  home  with  my  very  dear  brother  and 
sister  there,  whose  great  kindness  and  affection  have  been 
an  unspeakable  alleviation  to  the  pains  and  trials  of  illness. 
Our  life  has  been  retired  and  much  secluded  from  the 
world,  and  accordant  with  my  present  state  of  mind  and 
body.  Our  scene  has  now  changed  to  Cromer,  where  we 
are  settled,  for  a  few  weeks,  during  Joseph's  visit  to 
Ackworth. 

TO   HER   SISTER   ELIZABETH   GURNET. 

Cromer,  Eighth  Month  2d. 

We  have  been  settled  here  most  comfortably  and  quietly 
for  a  week,  and  the  benefit  we  have  all  derived  from  the 
change  is  greater  than  we  could  almost  expect.  I  had 
been  so  long  in  a  very  poor  and  languid  state,  that  a  revi- 
val to  me  of  health  and  strength  is  a  great  present  enjoy- 
ment. The  retirement  and  quiet  of  our  life  is  as  salutary 
as  the  air,  which  has  been  delightfully  warm  and  mild, 
and  yet  refreshing.  We  live  much  out  of  doors,  lounging 
on  the  sands,  and  riding  in  our  little  cart.  I  have  also, 


1820.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  203 

the  last  day  or  two,  mounted  a  nice  donkey.  And  now, 
my  dearest  sister,  I  must  turn  to  you  and  your  concerns, 
and  which,  I  am  sure,  are  near  my  heart.  -From  various 
causes,  the  last  few  months  have  appeared  to  me  a  time 
of  remarkable  exercise  and  discipline  to  many  in  our  circle ; 
we  have  had  to  feel  and  experience  something  of  the 
"  Refiner's  fire,"  both  from  within  and  from  without,  and 
many  individuals  in  our  own  family  have  been  called  to 
the  exercise  of  patience  and  submission.  I  have  also  felt 
it  to  myself  a  time  of  uncommon  proving ;  but  from  whence 
do  all  our  trials  and  provings  spring  ?  —  we  must  not,  and 
cannot,  doubt  they  are  needful  for  us.  I  have  sometimes 
felt  the  desire  for  us  all,  that  our  faith,  though  it  may  be 
tried  as  with  fire,  may  eventually  be  found  unto  "  praise, 
glory,"  &c.  I  am,  of  course,  now  anxious  to  reserve  my 
strength  for  the  strong  interest  of  being  with  our  dear 
Hannah.  I  think  of  thee,  dearest  Elizabeth,  with  warm 
and  grateful  affection ;  thou  hast  been  a  sister  indeed  to 
me  and  to  us  all.  I  seem  to  have  no  strength,  I  might 
almost  say  no  calling,  for  any  other  object  of  interest  than 
my  own  family.  My  love  particularly  and  affectionately 
to  thy  dear  mother,  and  to  J.  and  L.  I  can  heartily 
rejoice  to  think  of  their  prospering  in  the  best  way,  and 
earnestly  wish  they  may  persevere  without  fainting.  Our 
day  is  short,  and  how  happy  for  those  who  are  doing  their 
day's  work  in  the  day-time  !  I  have  seldom  felt  this  more 
forcibly  than  of  late,  though  brought  into  such  a  state  of 
nothingness  myself.  Very,  very  affectionately,  farewell. 
Thine,  &c.,  P.  G. 

It  was  the  desire  of  her  affectionate  family,  that 
Priscilla  Gurney  should  pass  the  ensuing  winter 
in  a  milder  climate.  Referring  to  the  considera- 


204  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA  GURNET.  [1820. 

tion  of  this  plan,  she  writes  to  one  of  her  sisters, 
as  follows :  — 

Cromer,  Eighth  Month  13th. 

The  question  which  is  soon  coming  before  us,  and  which 
is  already  a  subject  of  consideration  in  the  family  circle, 
is,  whether  it  would,  or  would  not,  be  a  desirable  measure 
for  me  to  go  to  the  South  of  France  for  the  winter.  If, 
after  serious  consideration,  we  should  conclude  to  make 
the  effort,  I  think  it  would  not  be  prudent  to  commence 
our  journey  later  than  the  beginning  of  the  Tenth  Month, 
and  it  is  on  this  account  that  we  must  not  delay  turning 
our  attention  to  the  subject,  though  I  much  dislike,  in  my 
uncertain  state,  to  look  forward  to  the  future  more  than 
can  possibly  be  helped,  and  if  it  be  a  duty  to  give  up  home, 
I  am,  on  many  accounts,  more  inclined  to  the  South  of 
France,  except  on  this  account,  that  it  would  be  necessary 
to  leave  home  so  much  the  sooner.  The  attractions  to 
France  are  meeting  F.  and  C.,  the  motives  for  it  are,  that 
my  case  still  seems  to  admit  of  so  much  hope  that,  if  a 
sacrifice  is  to  be  made,  it  is  better  to  do  it  effectually  at 
once.  The  better  I  am,  the  more  I  am  disposed  to  go 
abroad,  because  of  the  reasonable  hope  it  presents  of  being 
of  material  benefit ;  but  when  I  am  ill,  I  am  very  faint- 
hearted at  the  prospect,  and  am  doubtful  how  far  I  could 
undertake  it.  Thus,  at  present,  I  am  wholly  in  obscurity 
as  to  all  future  movements,  but  I  am  thankful  to  say  I  am 
not  anxious ;  I  trust  and  believe,  light  will  arise  on  my 
path,  both  in  reference  to  things  temporal  and  spiritual. 

Increased  illness  rendered  it  undesirable  to  pur- 
pue  the  course  which  had  been  anxiously  recom- 
mended by  her  physician  and  nearest  connexions, 


1820.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  205 

and  with  some  degree  of  encouragement  contem- 
plated by  herself.  She  remained  in  a  house"  on 
the  cliff  at  Cromer  until  the  Eighth  Month ;  when 
she  was  removed  to  that  of  her  dear  brother  and 
sister  Buxton,  Cromer  Hall,  which,  from  its  shel- 
tered situation,  appeared  a  very  suitable  residence. 
Here  she  was  tenderly  nursed  by  her  bereaved 
sister,  in  whose  deep  affliction  she  had  largely 
shared. 

The  succeeding  narrative  of  the  few  remaining 
months  of  Priscilla  Gurney's  valuable  life,  is  se- 
lected from  the  journals  of  her  sisters  H.  Buxton, 
L.  Hoare,  and  Rachel  Gurney. 

"  August"  31s£. — Priscilla  and  I  had  some  interesting 
conversation  after  reading  the  third  chapter  of  1st  Peter. 
This  Epistle  opened  to  her  with  such  particular  force. 
She  remarked  that  the  prospect  of  meeting  those  that 
were  gone  was  animating ;  that  to  see  God  and  be  with 
him  was  our  chief  hope  and  joy ;  hut  that  she  believed 
the  wish  to  be  with  those  whom  we  love,  and  to  have  our 
connections  with  them  perfected,  was  a  most  allowable 
source  of  comfort  and  encouragement.  She  dwelt  upon 
this, — that  our  relationships  will  be  perfected  in  heaven. 

"September"  10^/i. — After  a  day  of  great  illness,  R. 
stayed  with  her  all  night.  I  went  to  her  at  seven,  found 
her  very  low ;  I  expressed  my  sense  of  the  power  and 
presence  of  the  Lord  in  her  chamber;  she  replied,  "It  is 
true,  it  is  a  comfort."  I  said,  even  in  the  conflict  yester- 
day, I  could  not  but  feel  He  was  near,  sustaining  and 
helping.  "I  felt  it  most  sensibly,"  she  answered.  After 
she  was  up,  I  read  the  third  of  Ephesians :  her  counte- 
18 


206  MEMOIR   OF    PRISCILLA    GURNEY.  [1820. 

nance  was  animated  by  the  description  of  the  love  of 
Christ,  and  she  expressed  her  admiration  of  it,  as  if  en- 
terinw  into  and  comprehending  it.  We  talked  of  the  high 
spiritual  attainments  of  some  Friends,  beyond  those  of 
any  other  set  of  people.  W.  Forster  and  S.  Grellet,  she 
mentioned  as  instances,  where  everything  appeared  brought 
into  subjection  to  the  power  of  the  Spirit.  She  thought 

was  one  of  the  most  constantly  on  the  watch  of  any 

she  knew.  The  place  of  Friends  in  the  church  was,  she 
thought,  to  hold  up  the  highest  standard  of  holiness. 

"  September"  \kth. — P.  said,  with  regard  to  the  fear  of 
death,  the  bodily  part  was  by  nature  weak,  but  that  the 
sting  was  wholly  removed  through  Christ.  She  had  rather 
have  people  silent  on  the  hope  set  before  them  in  their 
friends'  death.  It  was  a  hope  in  common :  but  the  flat 
and  sujiposed  necessary  mention  of  such  things  was  to  her 
very  unpleasant;  and  as  to  all  religious  conversations 
about  a  person,  or  to  a  person  who  was  on  a  death-bed, 
that  did  not  flow  from  a  spring  of  Divine  life  within  us,  it 
was,  she  thought,  vain  and  unprofitable.  To  seek  to  find 
out  a  person's  mind  was  undesirable  :  a  time  of  illness  and 
incapacity  was  not  the  period  when  she  thought  we  were 
called  to  publish,  or  particularly  to  declare,  our  love  to 
God, — that  was  to  be  manifested  in  the  days  of  health  and 
strength,  when  we  were  to  show  our  love  by  our  services. 
It  was  an  inexpressible  blessing  to  be  left  in  the  days  of 
sickness  to  rest, — not  to  be  called  upon  to  declare  or  reveal 
our  love  by  words.  She  talked  much  of  the  power  of  an 
endless  life,  which  was  at  times  to  be  found  in  attending 

O 

the  dying,  but  had  very  seldom  trusted  this  to  be  the  case. 
"  I  did  with  J.  W.,"  she  said,  who  without  much  profession 
had  lived,  she  believed,  in  a  Availing  spirit.  She  turned  to 
herself  and  said,  how  often  did  she  know  this  power  of 
Eternal  life  while  lying  on  her  own  bed. 


1820.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  207 

~L5th.  —  P.  addressed  us  before  taking  leave  of  us  at 
night,  —  expressed  her  thankfulness  for  the  sweet  commu- 
nion we  had  enjoyed  together  —  something  of  the  joy  as 
well  as  peace  of  believing ;  and  she  said  she  had  herself 
never  been  more  sensible  than  at  this  time  of  the  power 
of  that  voice  which  says  "Peace  be  still,"  notwithstanding 
the  sorrow  and  conflict  which  we  had  tasted :  and  added 

to that  it  was  not  the  service  in  which  he  had  been 

engaged  among  us,  or  the  gifts  that  had  been  exercised 
for  ourselves,  but  that  it  was  the  Christian  charity  which 
had  been  shed  abroad  in  his  heart  towards  us  that  had 
diffused  its  sweet  influence,  and  had  been  both  consolatory 
and  uniting  to  her  feelings.  "  Tongues  shall  cease  and 
prophecies  shall  fail,"  but  "  charity  never  faileth;"  and 
that  this  charity  might  bind  us  more  and  more  together 
was  her  prayer. 

~L6th. — Sitting  by  Priscilla  before  she  was  up  this  morn- 
ing :  she  began  by  saying  she  felt  very  free  from  disease. 
What  a  trial  it  would  be  to  re-enter  life !  In  some  things 
one  dare  not  wish  !  (implying  a  wish  to  recover)  it  would 
indeed  be  retracing  one's  steps. 

On  the  17th  of  Ninth  Month  P.  G.  penned  the 
following  lines  to  her  beloved  cousin  Agatha  Bar- 
clay, on  the  occasion  of  the  decease  of  her  brother 
Gurney  Barclay.  The  reader  will  probably  remem- 
ber that  both  the  brother  and  sister  had  been 
amongst  Priscilla's  companions  in  the  mournful 
sojourn  at  Nice,  in  1817. 

Cromer  Hall,  Ninth  Month  17th,  1820. 

Though  I  am  too  weak  in  body  and  mind  to  say  much 
on  this  affecting  and  mournful  occasion,  I  cannot  be  easy 


208  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  [1820. 

without  expressing  my  near  and  deep  sympathy  and  tender 
feeling  for  you  all.  The  loss  of  dearest  Gurney  comes 
closely  home  to  my  own  heart.  Though  of  late  we  have 
had  but  little  intercourse,  yet  I  was  strongly  attached  to 
him,  and  have  known  what  it  is  to  be  sweetly  united  to 
him  in  spirit.  Those  times  I  hope  never  to  forget ;  the 
weight,  the  comfort,  the  spirituality  of  his  influence,  lives 
in  my  remembrance,  and  most  thankful  am  I  for  the  evi- 
dence which  he  himself  so  often  gave  me,  that  he  possessed 
the  knowledge  of  the  only  true  God,  and  of  Jesus  Christ 
his  Redeemer,  which,  we  may  now  humbly  and  thankfully 
trust,  is  to  him  eternal  life.  Yet  the  warning  to  us  all  is 
solemn  and  awful.  Oh,  that  we  may  profit  by  it !  May 
the  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  be  with  you !  Fare- 
well, my  dearest  Agatha  !  We  have  known  what  it  is  to 
mourn  together. 

Most  affectionately  thine, 

PKISCILLA  GURNEY. 

TO  MARIA  FOX. 

Cromer  Hall,  Eleventh  Month  20tb,  1820. 

I  have  often  had  to  review  the  past  very  seriously,  as 
thou  mayest  suppose  ;  and  I  believe  I  may  say  in  this  work 
(of  the  ministry)  though  I  am  aware  how  limited  it  has 
been,  I  can  remember  few  occasions  in  which  the  way  has 
not  been  made  for  me.  No  circumstances  in  society,  no 
difficulties  or  discouragements,  have  prevailed  against 
these  manifestations  of  the  Spirit  of  Truth ;  for  if  we  be- 
lieve at  all,  what  else  can  we  call  'them  ?  Nor  have  I,  that 
I  remember,  ever  had  occasion  to  repent  yielding  to  them. 
Now  I  would  not  make  this  confession  to  many,  and  I  am 
sure  I  say  it  not  in  the  way  of  boasting,  but  rather  with 
an  humble  and  thankful  sense  of  the  marvellous  loving- 


1820.]  MEMOIR   OF    PRISCILLA '  GURNET.  209 

kindness  and  tender  mercy  of  the  Lord,  who  in  this  par- 
ticular service  has  brought  me  to  submit  to  his  will, — :who 
has,  I  believe  I  may  say,  invariably  made  hard  things 
easy,  and  many,  many  times,  bitter  things  sweet.  Most 
happy  should  I  be,  could  I  believe  that  in  other  parts  of 
my  calling  I  had  as  simply  followed  the  leadings  and  most 
gracious  guidance  of  the  Shepherd.  He  only  knows  how 
far  too  much  I  have  followed  the  devices  and  desires  of 
my  own  heart — how  far  too  little  I  have  committed  myself 
in  my  ways  unto  Him,  inasmuch  as  in  those  things  in 
which  I  have  been  anxious  to  choose  for  myself,  I  have 
had  many  conflicts  to  pass  through,  and  have  been  involved 
in  many  perplexities.  But,  deeply  sensible  as  I  am  of  my 
short-comings,  &c.,  I  have  had  some  comforting  assurance 
of  the  unsearchable  riches  of  Christ,  as  our  Redeemer 
from  sin  and  from  death.  In  the  prospect  of  the  uncer- 
tainty of  life,  and  the  probability  of  a  nearness  to  death, 
I  have,  I  believe,  known  a  little  what  it  is  to  cast  all  our 
burdens  on  Him  who  hath  suffered  for  us,  and  have  had 
some  glimpse,  at  least,  of  that  only  state  of  preparation 
for  a  heavenly,  and  a  holy,  and  eternal  state,  the  being 
4f  washed  white  in  the  blood  of  the  Lamb."  A  childlike 
submission,  a  waiting  and  quiet  spirit,  is  the  one  to  be 
devoutly  sought  for.  I  fear  not,  inasmuch  as  thou  art 
brought  into  this  frame  of  mind,  but  that  thou  wilt  be  led 
quietly  and  safely  in  the  way  appointed,  and  that  light 
will  arise,  again  and  again,  in  the  midst  of  darkness.  Do 
not  perplex  thyself  with  anxious  thoughts  about  the  future. 
Many  and  great  as  have  been  the  discouragements  which 
I  have  had  to  pass  through,  from  within  and  from  with- 
out, I  can  yet  bear  my  testimony  to  the  reality  of  the  gift, 
and  to  the  tender  mercy  and  all-sufliciency  of  the  power 
of  Him  who,  when  he  sees  meet,  can  make  use  of  the  most 


210  MEMOIR  OF   PRISCILLA    GURNET.  [1821. 

feeble  instruments  in  his  service.  I  can  hardly  do  other- 
wise than  encourage  others  to  be  faithful,  keeping  a  single 
eye  to  our  Lord,  watching  against  imaginations  and  the 
delusions  of  our  own  forming,  or  of  our  spiritual  enemy. 
In  every  act  of  submission  and  of  dedication,  fear  not ! 
If  the  Lord  be  with  us,  if  He  be  our  God,  we  need  never 
be  dismayed." 

Referring  to  Priscilla  Gurney's  increased  indis- 
position, her  brother  Buxton  writes  at  this  time — 

As  for  my  dearest  Priscilla,  I  neither  grieve  with  the 
bad  account  of  yesterday,  nor  rejoice  with  the  more  fa- 
vourable one  of  to-day.  I  feel  her  given  to  the  Lord, 
and  I  am  sure  He  is  about  her  bed,  and  that  He  loves 
her,  and  that  whatsoever  shall  happen  to  her  shall  be  sent 
in  peculiar  tenderness ;  and  in  these  certain  truths  I 
commit  her  to  Him  without  fear  or  repining.  She  is  in- 
expressibly dear  to  my  inmost  soul ;  but  I  look  upon  her 
as  a  saint  already  in  the  hands  of  the  Lord,  and  as  He 
is  managing  for  her  I  cannot  venture  to  wish  for  anything, 
except  the  thing,  whatever  it  may  be,  that  He  may  ordain. 
I  am  satisfied  and  joyful  in  her  state,  and  can  with  un- 
bounded confidence  commit  her  to  the  Lord,  and  shall  be 
almost  glad  if  you  tell  her  I  send  no  message  of  hope  or 
fear,  neither  can  I  hope  nor  fear. 

Her  beloved  brother  J.  J.  Gurney  writes  of  a 
visit  to  his  precious  sister,  to  whom  he  had  been 
united,  not  only  in  the  bond  of  nearest  kindred- 
ship,  but  also  in  the  sacred  fellowship  of  religious 
communion.  He  says  :  — 

Dearest  Priscilla's  state  is  increasingly  consoling.     She 


1821.]  MEMOIR   OF    FKISCILLA   GURNET.  211 

has  fe,lt,  thought,  acted,  and  known,  as  much  as  many, 
and  sustained  the  great  cause  of  truth  and  righteousness. 
Now  all  is  hushed,  brought  into  rest  and  stillness  —  and 
her  soul  is  like  that  of  a  weaned  child.  Sweet  and  joyful 
have  been  my  feelings  whilst  I  have  sat  by  her  bedside, 
and  warm  my  praises  —  not  of  her,  but  of  Him  who  has 
redeemed  her  with  his  blood. 

TO   E.  K.,    A   BELOVED   FRIEND   AT   FAKENHAM,    WHO   HAD 
TENDERLY   NURSED 'HER. 

(Supposed  to  be  the  last  letter  written  by  Priscilla  Gurney.) 

Cromer  Hall,  First-day,  First  Month  28th,  1821. 

I  wish  to  thank  thee,  my  dearest  Emma,  for  thy  love 
and  kindness  to  me,  not  only  during  my  illness,  but  from 
the  commencement  of  our  friendship.  I  have  often  been 
surprised  at  the  constancy  and  stability  of  thy  friendship 
for  me,  feeling  but  little  in  myself,  or  in  my  conduct,  that 
has  deserved  it.  A  constant  faithful  friend  is,  however, 
of  no  small  value,  and  of  late,  excluded  as  I  have  been 
from  many  whom  I  love,  I  am  not  insensible  to  those 
things  which  are  of  true  value.  I  am,  perhaps,  prompted 
to  make  one  more  attempt  at  expression  of  my  love  and 
interest  for  thee  and  thy  dear  husband,  by  the  effects  of  a 
singular  dream,  which  I  had  the  other  night.  I  thought 
I  was  going  off  on  a  long  journey,  and  had  parted  from 
everybody,  when  thy  image  presented  itself  strongly  before 
me :  nothing  could  exceed  thy  kindness  or  readiness  to 
help  me  to  pack  up  and  go,  but  that  I  could  not  receive 
any  help,  and  chose  to  pack  up  for  myself,  (how  drolly 
descriptive  of  our  two  selves,  was  it  not  ?)  and  yet,  all  the 
while,  I  felt  so  united  to  thee  in  love,  and  was  uneasy 
afterwards,  because  I  was  afraid  I  had  hurt  thee,  and  had 


212  MEMOIR   OF    PIUSCILLA   GURNEY.  [1821. 

not  taken  a  satisfactory  leave  of  thee  and  thy  dear  hus- 
band. Therefore,  my  beloved  friends,  as  this  long  journey 
may  not  be  very  remote  from  me,  (not  that  I  am  inclined 
to  be  superstitious  on  the  subject,)  I  am  the  more  easy  to 
bid  you  affectionately  farewell !  and  to  express  my  very 
sincere  desire  that  you  may  prosper  on  your  way  Zion- 
wards ;  for  if  we  are  not  travelling  this  road,  what  end  or 
resting-place  can  we  any  of  us  look  for  ?  Oh,  that  you 
may  then,  and  your  children,  be  led  to  walk  patiently, 
constantly,  firmly,  and  faithfully  in  the  way  everlasting ! 
I  have  lately  been  brought  very  low,  but  my  state  is  fluc- 
tuating, and  I  wish  not  to  speculate  upon  it.  It  is  a  won- 
derful mercy  to  be  kept  in  a  measure  of  tranquillity  of 
mind,  and  to  be  spared  from  greater  suffering.  If  I  have 
not  the  active  help  of  my  friends,  I  trust  and  believe  I 
have  their  watchfulness  and  prayers :  these  are  what  I 
most  need.  Do  not  give  way  to  too  much  feeling  about 
me :  my  motto  often  is,  and  I  recommend  it  to  thee, 
"  Remember,  oh  my  soul,  the  quietude  of  those  in  whom 
Christ  governs,  and  in  all  thou  dost,  feel  after  it!"  Love 
to  all  your  family  circle. 

Thine,  &c.,  PRISCILLA  GURNEY. 

We  proceed  with  her  sister's  narrative. 

"January"  19f/t. — Priscilla  has  been  very  increasingly 
ill ;  obliged  to  give  up  work,  and  nearly  all  writing  and 
reading  to  herself.  Interesting  conversation  with  her  in 
the  morning  on  her  place  in  the  church,  in  heaven  espe- 
cially. She  expressed  her  own  view  that  there  are  different 
stations  in  the  church,  some  to  more  honour,  some  to  less ; 
that  she  was  sensible  she  was  fitted  and  intended  for  a  low 
]>lace,  but  she  was  perfectly  willing  to  keep  a  low  place ; 


1821.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  213 

that  it  was  almost  presumptuous  to  talk  of  what  place  we 
might  be  found  to  fill  in  the  church  above.  What  a  favour 
to  be  admitted  at  all  into  it !  She  often  thought  of  the 
parable  of  the  man  coming  in,  and  taking  a  high  seat. 
She  was  entirely  convinced  that  we  could  not  be  happy  in 
spiritual  or  temporal  things  till  we  were  made  really  willing 
to  take  the  lowest  seat.  I  expressed  my  firm  belief  that, 
as  one  star  diifereth  from  another  star  in  glory,  she  would 
be  one  of  chief  magnitude.  This  grieved  her:  she  thought 
it  had  been  an  inexpressible  blessing  to  have  been  kept  in 
this  evil  world  from  great  sins,  and  to  have  been  preserved 
in  a  measure  from  evil.  She  was  most  thankful  and 
sensible  of  the  mercies  in  every  way  bestowed  upon  her ; 
but  yet  continued  to  express  a  deep  sense  of  the  lowness 
of  her  state.  I  spoke  of  the  uncommon  gifts  and  graces 
which  she  had  received.  She  replied,  "  I  am  quite  con- 
vinced that  gifts  are  no  proofs  of  the  life  of  the  soul.  We 
do  not  live  by  gifts ;  and  I  am  thankful  that  my  ministry 
is  so  much  taken  from  me,  to  show  me  how  little  the  life  of 
religion  in  my  soul  depends  upon  it ;  and  also  how  entirely 
the  work  is  out  of  myself." 

Her  sister  L.  Hoare's  diary  supplies  some  farther 
particulars  of  this  interesting  illness  :  — 

"February"  \2th.  —  After  hearing  the  forty -second 
Psalm,  she  said  a  few  words  of  thanksgiving,  —  "I  thank 
thee,  0  Lord !  that  through  our  great  weakness  and  mani- 
fold infirmities  we  can  say,  "Hitherto  thou  hast  helped 
us ;"  and  we  pray  thee,  whatsoever  state  we  may  have  to 
pass  through,  we  may  find  the  grace  of  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ  sufficient  for  us." 

When  I  told  her  that  F.  and  R.  C.  had  arrived  (from 
Switzerland),  she  said,  "  That  is  a  comfort."  Their  intro- 


214  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  [1821. 

duction  to  the  room  was  easy  and  comforting.  When  she 
could  speak,  holding  the  hand  of  each  of  them,  she  said 
she  hoped  the  presence  of  God  had  come  with  them  ;  it 
was  a  great  comfort  to  her  to  see  them.  I  thought  she 
shed  tears,  which  have  been  very  rare  with  her  through 
all  her  illness. 

14z;A.  —  Priscilla  wished  F.  to  sit  and  read  with  us  :  he 
read  the  thirteenth  of  John.  She  said,  when  it  was  done, 
"It  is  so  comforting,  I  should  like  the  next  chapter."  He 
read  the  fourteenth.  P.  afterwards  said  to  me,  "  It  has 
been  a  delightful  reading ;  I  don't  know  when  I  have  felt 
so  comforted."  Something  of  happiness  prevailed  over 
our  sick  room,  and  our  dearest  patient  was  strikingly 
serene,  comfortable  and  easy.  In  the  evening  she  was 
very  sinking :  she  wished  us  all  to  meet  in  her  room  :  we 
sat  in  silence.  She  prayed,  "  Grant,  0  Lord,  that  thy 
poor  unworthy  servant  may  so  see,  and  feel,  and  experi- 
ence thy  great  salvation,  that  she  may  depart  in  peace." 
"Tell  them,"  she  said  to  her  sister  Buxton,  "tell  them  all 
to  watch  with  me." 

Priscilla  received  at  this  time  the  following 
letters  from  W.  Wilberforce  and  William  Allen : — 

Kensington  Gore,  15th  February,  1821. 

MY  DEAR  FRIEND, 

For  so  I  trust  you  will  allow  me  to  style  you ;  I  have 
long  been  indulging  myself  in  the  speculation  of  writing 
you  a  few  lines  for  the  purpose  of  assuring  you  of  the  friendly 
interest  I  take  in  all  that  concerns  you,  and  as  this  feeling 
is  that  of  enlightened,  I  may  humbly  hope,  as  well  of  true 
friendship,  it  renders  me  most  interested  in  that  which  is 
most  important  to  you.  I  should  rejoice  indeed  to  hear 
that  it  had  pleased  our  Heavenly  Father  so  far  to  bless 


1821.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  215 

the  means  that  are  used  for  the  recovery  of  your  health 
as  to  enliven  us  with  the  hope  of  your  complete  restora- 
tion to  your  former  mediocrity  of  bodily  strength,  a  degree 
which  would  enable  you  to  be  again  active  in  your  Master's 
service ;  but  if  this  intelligence  be  denied  me,  I  should 
not  speak  the  truth  if  I  were  to  say  1  am  much  distressed ; 
in  fact,  my  mind  seems  rather  to  be  raised  to  a  higher 
elevation,  to  be  warmed  with  a  more  animating  hope,  and 
to  be  enabled  to  see  you  walking,  in  whatever  direction  it 
may  be,  under  the  guidance  and  support  of  that  merciful 
Shepherd  who  carries  his  lambs  in  his  arms,  and  who  will 
never  leave  you  nor  forsake  you.  Oh,  my  dear  friend, 
what  prospects  open  on  our  view,  when  we  look  in  this  di- 
rection—  a  world  of  love  and  peace  and  joy,  and  mutual 
confidence  and  unclouded  affection  !  "  We  shall  be  like 
Him,"  says  the  apostle,  "  for  we  shall  see  Him  as  He  is !" 
May  we  be  enabled  more  and  more  to  live  under  the  power 
of  this  blessed  truth.  Meanwhile,  you,  I  am  persuaded, 
will  not  forget  the  beautiful  simplicity  and  Christian  force 
of  that  delightful  passage  in  Milton's  sonnet  on  his  own 
blindness,  — 

"  They  also  serve  who  only  stand  and  wait." 

In  truth,  this  is  the  more  difficult  service  to  be  performed 
with  full  acquiescence  of  will,  and  confidence  of  hope  and 
love ;  yet  from  what  I  have  heard  from  our  dear  friend  F. 
Buxton,  I  trust  you  are  enabled  to  manifest  your  achieve- 
ment of  this  harder  task  of  Christian  duty.  My  dear 
friend,  may  the  same  Everlasting  Arms  continue  to  sustain 
you ;  and  if  we  never  meet  again  in  this  world,  may  we 
meet  where  we  shall  love  each  other  still  more  than  we  do 
now,  and  shall  be  able  to  look  forward  to  an  eternity  of 
holiness  and  happiness,  of  the  sweets  of  friendship,  height- 
ened by  a  keener  relish,  and  augmented  by  our  common 


21G  MEMOIR    OF    PRISCILLA   GURNET.  [1821. 

enjoyment  of  those  pleasures  which,  through  the  infinite 
mercy  and  goodness  of  Him  who  sent  his  Son  into  the 
world  to  save  sinners,  and  of  Him  who  loved  us,  and  gave 
Himself  for  us,  we  shall  enjoy  at  God's  right  hand  for 
evermore.  May  the  best  blessing  of  heaven  be  your's, 
now  and  for  ever,  so  wishes  and  prays, 

Your  sincere  and  affectionate  friend, 

W.  W. 

WILLIAM   ALLEN   TO   PRISCILLA   GURNEY. 

Plough  Court,  Second  Month  13th,  1821. 

SISTER,  BELOVED  IN  THE  LORD, 

Thy  precious,  innocent  spirit  feels  very  near  to  me,  in 
the  fellowship  of  the  gospel  of  our  dear  Redeemer,  who, 
"  having  loved  his  own  who  were  in  the  world,  loved  them 
unto  the  end."  My  heart  glows  with  the  belief,  that  thou 
ai-t  one  of  those  whom  He  hath  loved,  and  still  loves,  who 
He  wills  should  be  with  Him,  where  He  is,  even  in  His 
glory.  Take  courage,  then,  dear  heart,  and  though  thou 
wilt  feel  the  flesh  to  be  weak,  and  though  the  enemy  may 
yet  for  a  short  season  attempt  to  create  dismay,  yet  as 
thy  soul  continues  to  be  deeply  anchored  in  God,  thou 
wilt  know  the  accuser  of  the  brethren  to  be  cast  down  for 
ever.  Let  faith  and  patience,  then,  have  their  perfect 
work,  recline  upon  the  breast  of  thy  beloved,  cast  all  thy 
cares  upon  Him,  for  He  careth  for  thee,  and  I  firmly  be- 
lieve that  when  the  frail  tabernacle  breaks  down,  thy 
precious  immortal  spirit  will  be  presented  before  thy  Re- 
deemer's throne  of  glory  with  exceeding  joy.  Farewell, 
farewell  in  the  Lord !  and  if  thou  shouldst  be  enabled, 
pray  that  thy  poor  weak  brother  may  also  be  preserved  to 
the  end. 

Believe  him  ever  affectionately  thine, 

WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


1821.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  217 

JRachel's  journal  proceeds  as  follows  :  — 

"February"  21s£. —  P.  wished  us  all  to  meet  in  her 
room.  F.  read  a  part  of  Revelation,  only  a  few  verses, 
and  prayed.  Dearest  Priscilla  said  in  prayer,  "  Great 
and  marvellous  are  thy  works,  Lord  God  Almighty ;"  and 
may  we  be  enabled  humbly  to  acknowledge  that  "Just 
and  true  are  all  thy  ways,  thou  King  of  Saints."  She 
wished  F.  to  leave  the  chair  next  to  her,  that  her  sister 
Louisa  Hoare  might  take  it,  and  repeat  aloud  what  she 
said,  as  follows :  —  "I  wish  to  express  the  longing  desire 
and  prayer  of  my  heart,  that  the  best  of  blessings  may  be 
with  you  all,  individually  and  collectively ;  that  all  you 
have  done  for  me  —  all  your  kindness — may  be  rewarded; 
and  that  whether  our  time  here  be  long  or  short,  we  may 
all  of  us  be  good,  faithful,  and  valiant  soldiers  of  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ  unto  the  end ;  and  I  much  more  espe- 
cially express  my  desire  that  this  blessing  may  be  with 
dearest  Fowell  and  Hannah." 

22nd. — We  read  one  of  Thorpe's  interesting  letters. 
P.  sent  her  love  and  messages  to  several.  When  on  the 
bed  she  prayed,  "Enable  me,  0  Lord,  to  cast  myself 
wholly,  unreservedly,  and  humbly  on  thy  love ;  and  grant, 
that  although  now  I  see  thee  not,  yet  believing,  I  may 
rejoice  with  joy  unspeakable  and  full  of  glory  !"  Quiet 
assembly  of  us  all  in  her  room  in  the  evening.  F.  C. 
read,  at  her  desire,  the  hymn  on  the  death  of  a  believer, 
and  that  on  the  death  of  Stephen. 

23rd.  —  We  met  together  as  usual  in  her  room.  F.  C. 
read  the  thirty-fourth  Psalm.  She  afterwards  desired  me 
to  say,  "  Though  there  is  nothing  said  on  the  present 
occasion,  how  much  I  hope  that,  through  the  power  of  the 
Redeemer  present  with  us,  we  may  experience  what  is 
19 


218  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  [1821. 

conveyed  by  this  text,  'Be  still,  and  know  that  I  am 
God.'" 

24;th.  —  J.  J.  G.  read,  in  her  room,  passages  in  Isaiah 
and  Revelation,  and  spake  of  the  beautiful  condition  of 
the  departed  saints,  —  of  those  who  were  written  in  the 
Lamb's  book  of  life.  Dearest  Priscilla  said  to  him,  "  Tell 
everybody  (all  our  circle,)  how  much  it  is  my  desire  that 
we  may  possess  our  souls  in  patience." 

27tJi. — Mr.  D.*  came.  Dearest  Priscilla  took  him  most 
affectionately  by  the  hand  as  he  was  sitting  by  her,  and 
said,  "I  feel  a  strong  interest  in  thee,  and  an  earnest 
desire  that  thou  mayest  be  made  a  partaker  of  the  hope 
and  consolation  of  the  gospel."  Mr.  D.  checked  her,  and 
said  he  could  not  allow  her  to  speak  and  hurt  herself  on 
his  account.  When  he  arose  to  take  leave,  she  said,  "  I 
desire  a  blessing  may  be  with  thee :  it  cannot  hurt  me  to 
say  this." 

"March"  3d. —  We  read  and  sat  in  her  room.  In  the 
evening  she  was  moved  into  the  arm-chair,  the  six  sisters 
surrounding  her.  She  appeared  in  some  distress,  but  soon 
repeated  these  words,  "  Though  I  walk  in  the  midst  of 
trouble,  thou  wilt  revive  me  ;"  asking  for  the  conclusion  of 
the  verse.  She  said  to  H.,  u  What  a  comfort  to  have  such 
attendance  !"  I  think  she  said,  some  days  ago,  there  was 
nothing  for  which  she  could  desire  so  much  to  recover,  as 
to  pay  more  attention  to  the  sick. 

4th.  —  She  said  to  F.  C.,  "One  thing  I  have  learned, 
and  I  wish  thee  to  feel  and  remember  it  —  that  all  suffering 
is  short.  The  time  for  trial  and  suffering  is  but  for  a 
moment.  Let  us  have  patience  while  it  lasts.  Do  remem- 
ber this."  To  P.  B.  she  said,  how  very  much  she  hoped 

*  Her  medical  attendant. 


1821.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  219 

she  would  cultivate  the  blessed  habit  of  patience  and  for- 
bearance under  little  difficulties. 

6th.  —  On  giving  her  some  medicine,  when  very  low, 
she  paused  and  said,  "  Now  when  my  flesh  and  my  heart 
fail,  do  thou  be  the  strength  of  my  life,  and  my  portion 
for  ever." 

8th.  —  When  Fowell  had  carried  Priscilla  to  bed,  she 
stopped  him.  She  wanted  to  speak  to  him.  Her  cough 
prevented  her  for  some  time.  Then  she  said,  "  Oh,  the 
sufferings  of  the  slaves  ! " 

IQth. — J.  J.  G.  came.  He  sat  by  her,  and  she  asked 
him  where  that  text  was,  "They  that  walk  in  darkness 
and  have  no  light,  let  them  trust  in  the  Lord,  and  stay 
themselves  upon  their  God."  She  seemed  low  and  ill.  She 
said,  "I  wish  to  know  if  I  have  anything  more  to  do." 

Third  Month  llth.  —  Elizabeth  J.  Fry  records  :  — 

Dearest  Priscilla  said  to  this  effect,  that  the  experience 

of  her  illness  had  greatly  confirmed  and  deepened  her  in 

the  foundation  and  principles  of  Friends,  more  particularly 

as  it  respected  the  ministry She  expressed 

how  entirely  she  felt  her  dependence  on  the  Lord  alone, 
and  how  little  she  felt  the  want  of  outward  ministry ; 
though  what  came  in  the  life  was  refreshing  and  sweet. 
She  also  expressed,  this  morning,  a  great  desire  for  the 
Friends  of  the  family,  that  they  might  hold  fast  their 
principles. 

1.2th. —  Our  dearest  Priscilla  is  brought  to  the  lowest 
and  most  tried  state  of  body ;  yet  she  expresses  that  the 
Lord  manifests  his  power  to  be  sufficient  to  keep  and  sus- 
tain her  in  this  time  of  her  great  need.  She  has  said  that, 
through  all  her  sufferings  and  her  low  estate,  she  is  ena- 
bled to  cleave  fast  to  the  cross.  She  told  E.  F.  that  she 
trusted  that  she  should  not  be  utterly  cast  down,  and 
yesterday  morning  expressed  an  earnest  desire  and  prayer 


220  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA  GURNET.  [1821. 

that  she  might  be  enabled  in  every  thing  to  give  thanks, 
and  she  quoted  part  of  the  10th  verse  of  the  50th  of  Isaiah. 
It  is  beautiful  to  see  her  entire  submission  to  the  will  of 
the  Lord  in  everything.  It  is  so  evident  to  what  hand  she 
wholly  yields  herself:  her  faith,  her  hope,  her  trust,  and 
her  patience  never  fail.  I  heard  her  to-day  pray  over 
something  she  was  taking,  "  I  desire  to  be  thankful  for  all 
the  mercies  mingled  in  the  cup  of  suffering.  Thy  mercies 
are  many  indeed."  And  after  asking  who  was  to  sit  up 
with  her,  she  paused,  and  then  said,  "  Dearest  Lord,  grant 
thy  blessing  upon  this  night,  and  give  me  thy  help."  She 
prayed  that  the  Lord  would  be  with  her  in  her  deep  distress, 
and  that  the  deliverance  from  it  might  be  in  his  own  time. 
"  In  thy  own  time,  Lord." 

16th.  —  We  thought  yesterday  the  lowest  day  that  has 
yet  been  passed  through.  In  this  suffering  state  she  said 
to  R.  that  the  Lord  was  still  sufficient  for  her.  E.  F.  minis- 
tered to  her  from  the  40th  Psalm,  "Make  no  tarrying, 
oh  my  God:  be  thou  our  help,  and  deliverer."  Priscilla 
said,  "Amen." 

19th.  —  She  desired  messages  of  great  love  and  inte- 
rest to  several  relatives.  She  said  to  E.  F.  that  having 
nearly  lost  the  use  of  her  speech  made  her  feel  the  ex- 
ceeding importance  of  the  government  of  the  tongue  in 
health. 

25th.  —  Our  dearest  Priscilla  has  sunk  during  the  past 
week  into  the  arms  of  death.  Her  powers  of  body  have 
been  escaping  her :  she  has  been  scarcely  able  to  speak, 
and,  when  she  could,  has  been  heard  with  difficulty.  She 
has  much  liked  our  reading  to  her,  several  times  in  the 
day,  in  the  Bible  or  hymns,  also  Samuel  Scott's  Diary, 
John  Richardson's  Journal,  and,  for  a  change,  the  history 
of  the  various  Moravian  missionary  stations.  Though 
she  has  appeared  so  death-like,  we  have  found  the  powers 


1821.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  221 

of  her  mind  surprisingly  alive.  On  Friday  morning  we 
moved  her  on  to  the  couch,  which  she  left  no  more.  We 
endeavoured  to  get  her  to-bed  at  night ;  but  finding  her 
much  exhausted  by  the  attempt,  I  asked  her  to  hold  up 
her  hand  if  she  preferred  remaining  on  the  couch,  which 
she  did.  The  appearance  of  approaching  death  increased 
so  much  that  we  all  assembled  round  her.  Her  speech 
was  gone,  and  she  had  entered  the  valley  of  the  shadow 
of  death.  The  night  was  deeply  serious  and  awful ;  yet 
she  revived  sufficiently  for  us  to  have  interesting  communi- 
cation with  her  during  yesterday,  and  the  effect  of  her 
spirit  upon  us  was  delightful,  though  in  silence  and  death. 
She  made  us  understand  we  were  to  read,  by  pointing  to 
C.  and  making  signs :  13th  of  Corinthians  was  chosen. 
Fowell,  after  reading,  spoke  very  forcibly  of  the  security 
of  the  love  of  God  towards  her,  that  though  she  might, 
through  great  weakness  and  illness,  lose  the  sense  and 
knowledge  of  it  herself,  yet  his  love  was  unmeasurable, 
unutterable,  and  that  neither  life  nor  death,  neither  princi- 
palities nor  powers,  nor  any  other  creature,  could  separate 
her  from  his  love :  that  it  depended  not  on  our  sense  of 
it ;  that  nothing  in  us  could  shake  it,  and  that  he  did  feel 
most  strongly  and  powerfully  that  she  was  in  the  hands 
of  the  God  of  love.  She  held  his  hand,  and  by  feeble 
squeezes  indicated  her  satisfaction  in  what  he  said.  Her 
voice  had  wholly  failed  her,  and  the  power  of  articulation 
was  almost  entirely  gone.  Her  power  of  moving  or  ex- 
pressing herself  by  action  was  almost  as  much  gone  as 
utterance ;  but  we  could  gather  her  mind  and  discover  she 
was  trying  to  express  something.  It  was  evident  to  me 
that  she  attempted  to  say  "  Farewell"  to  Fowell,  of  whom 
she  wished  to  take  leave.  As  the  evening  advanced,  the 
appearance  of  approaching  death  decidedly  increased.  We 
19* 


222  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA  GURNET.  [1821. 

assembled  round  her.  I  was  sitting  holding  her  hand, 
the  others  about  us.  She  fixed  her  half-opened  eyes 
upon  me,  and  many  times  whispered  inarticulately,  "Fare- 
well." She  was  still  seen  making  efforts  to  speak,  when 
I  heard  quite  evidently,  "Farewell  to  you  all."  She 
looked  up  to  Rachel,  and  again  comparatively  audibly 
uttered,  "  Farewell,"  with  quite  a  heavenly  look,  and  I 
believe  she  said,  "  My  love  is  with  you,"  and  was  moving 
her  lips  for  some  time.  We  discovered  her  saying,  "  0 
Lord!"  She  was,  no  doubt,  in  prayer  —  we  thought  for 
us.  And  here  she  feebly  moved  her  hand  and  arm  to 
take  our's,  and  F.  thought  made  a  movement  with  her 
face  for  me  to  kiss  her.  This  I  observed  twice  or  thrice, 
and  an  evident  decided  smile,  such  as  it  had  been  long 
since  I  had  seen.  E.  J.  Fry  was  then  empowered  (it  was, 
indeed,  with  a  power  and  demonstration  of  the  Spirit)  to 
hold  forth  to  her  the  most  lively  encouragement,  to  lift  up  her 
head  in  the  strength  of  the  Lord,  to  assure  her  soul  before 
Him,  that  He  would  carry  her  above  the  waves  of  Jordan. 
And  she  added  something  to  this  effect :  —  "If  I  saw 
with  my  eyes  the  glorious  things  prepared  for  thee,  I 
could  not  be  more  sure  of  them  than  now  I  am."  Soon 
after  this  she  fell  asleep,  which  became  more  and  more 
the  sleep  of  death.  Several  sat  up  all  night.  We  were 
summoned  into  the  room  after  family  reading  in  the  morn- 
ing, and  all  assembled  round  her.  We  trembled  whilst 
watching  whether  each  would  be  the  last  breath.  J.  J.  G. 
said,  "Lord  Jesus,  receive  her  spirit,"  —  when  she  ceased 
to  breathe.  E.  Fry  repeated  the  same  in  a  prayer  of 
thanksgiving.  Catherine  quoted  that  verse,  "  Blessed  are 
the  dead  which  die  in  the  Lord,  for  they  rest  from  their 
labours,  and  their  works  do  follow  them." 

She  was  a  most  precious,  tenderly  beloved  sister !  How  have 
we  seen  her  soul  live  in  strength  through  the  decay  of  the  body! 


1821.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  223 

The  closing  scene  to  which  this  most  interesting 
recital  has  conducted  the  reader,  occurred  on  the 
25th  of  Third  Month,  1821.  Very  solemn  and 
animating  is  the  contemplation  of  such  a  blessed 
victory  over  the  power  of  sin  and  sorrow.  How 
gently  did  the  angel  of  death  lay  his  hand  upon 
her,  shielding  her  from  the  extremes  of.  nature's 
agony !  And  how  shall  finite  thought  conceive,  or 
mortal  utterance  describe,  the  ineffable  and  perfect 
bliss  and  glory  that  awaited  her  ransomed  and 
happy  spirit  ?  But  to  the  divinely  anointed  vision 
of  frail  and  feeble  pilgrims  yet  waiting  on  the  wil- 
derness side  of  Jordan,  some  glimpses  are  at  times 
afforded  of  the  riches  of  this  perfect  bliss  and 
glory,  and  in  the  ear  of  faith  a  celestial  voice 
announces,  "All  are  yours;  for  ye  are  Christ's, 
and  Christ  is  God's."" 

One  of  the  sisters  gives  a  very  touching  descrip- 
tion of  the  funeral,  which  took  place  on  the  31st. 
"  There  was,"  she  says,  — 

A  blessed  sense  of  the  Divine  providence  and  support 
through  every  part  of  it.  J.  J.  G.  and  E.  F.  both  prayed 
at  the  grave,  and  both  in  a  strain  of  praise  and  thanks- 
giving for  the  mercies  that  had  been  vouchsafed  to  Pris- 
cilla  in  her  life  and  in  her  death.  J.  J.  G.  gave  thanks 
that  she  had  been  redeemed  from  this  present  evil  world  ; 
that,  through  the  everlasting  love  of  God,  she  had  been 
made  ready,  sanctified,  and  prepared  for  the  inheritance 
incorruptible ;  that  her  conflicts  and  her  trials  had, 
through  the  mercy  of  her  God,  been  made  subservient  to 
the  ereat  end  of  working  out  her  salvation,  and  that  she 


224  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  [1821. 

was  amongst  that  blessed  number  whose  robes  had  been 
washed  white  in  the  blood  of  the  Lamb !  E.  J.  F.  alluded 
to  the  shortness  of  her  time  here  on  earth,  to  some  of  the 
heavy  and  sorrowful  steps  of  her  pilgrimage:  "Thou 
leddest  her  in  the  wilderness,  in  a  solitary  way,  where  she 
found  no  city  to  dwell  in.  Yet  thou  didst  sustain,  com- 
fort and  bless  her,  and  in  thy  own  appointed  time  thou 
hast  led  her  to  a  city  of  habitation."  At  the  meeting, 
my  uncle  Joseph  Gurney  bore  his  testimony  to  her  up- 
right and  holy  course  of  life,  to  the  glory  and  beauty  of 
that  principle  of  faith  in  Christ  which  had  led  her  in  the 
way  of  the  cross,  which  had  kept  her  in  an  humble  and 
self-denying  path,  but  one  in  which  she  had  been  enabled 
to  glorify  the  God  whom  she  had  served.  Those  to  whom 
she  had  shown  many  kindnesses,  to  whose  wants  she  had 
administered,  to  whom  she  had  been  the  means  of  impart- 
ing spiritual  instruction  and  consolation,  who  had  beheld 
the  sweetness  of  her  countenance,  and  had  blessed  her, 
were  earnestly  invited  to  make  themselves  acquainted  with 
the  principles  of  Gospel  love,  of  that  living  faith  in 
Christ,  of  that  grace  shed  abroad  in  the  heart,  which  had 
led  to  such  abundant  fruit  in  her  whose  loss  we  then 
deplored. 

An  extract  from  some  reminiscences  of  the  cha- 
racter of  Priscilla  Gurney,  penned  by  her  sister 
Rachel  Gurney,  may  prove  an  appropriate  conclu- 
sion to  the  foregoing  memoir : 

The  principles  of  conduct  in  Priscilla,  that  were  parti- 
cularly brought  to  my  observation,  were  these  : — 1st.  Her 
anxious  desire  to  employ  time  well.  2nd.  Her  vigilant 
attention  to  the  poor  and  the  sick.  3rd.  Her  lively  in- 
terest in  the  education  of  the  youth  of  all  classes,  and 
more  especially  in  the  religious  instruction  given  them:  a 


1821.]  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA  GURNET.  225 

cause  which  she  had  most  deeply  at  heart.  Her  frequent 
calls  from  home,  both  of  a  religious  and  domestic  nature, 
made  it  difficult  to  pursue  any  object  with  regularity ;  but 
her  perseverance  in  overcoming  these  obstacles  rendered 
her  unusually  skilful  in  the  economy  of  time,  through 
almost  every  variety  of  circumstances.  There  was,  in  her, 
the  ever-open  eye  to  watch  and  discern  the  leadings  of 
Providence,  even  in  the  minuter  occurrences  of  the  day, 
and  a  most  discriminating  perception  of  the  duties  that 
were  involved  in  them,  and  in  nothing  was  this  more  dis- 
played than  in  her  equal  fitness  for  the  passive  graces  or 
the  active  virtues,  as  either  the  one  or  the  other  might  be 
required  of  her.  This  happy  combination  of  the  princi- 
ples of  true  diligence  with  a  nice  judgment  in  their  appli- 
cation, was  discernible  in  every  stage  of  her  illness, 
during  which  period,  her  exertions  were  adapted  to  her 
power  of  making  them,  with  wonderful  exactness  and  per- 
severance. The  labours  of  love,  which  had  occupied  so 
great  a  portion  of  her  life,  were  still  ever  ready  to  be  ex- 
tended to  all  within  her  reach ;  this  was  to  be  particularly 
observed  to  the  children  of  our  family  circle,  whom  she 
treated  with  especial  tenderness,  and  to  the  servants  who 
waited  upon  her.  The  governing  principle  of  religion  was 
not  only  conspicuous  in  the  economical  arrangement  of 
her  time  and  her  pursuits,  but  in  the  love  of  order  and 
completeness,  which  so  remarkably  characterized  all  her 
undertakings.  Her  interest  for  the  poor,  and  the  sick 
amongst  them,  was  habitual  to  her,  and  led  to  a  vigilant 
care  of  them  at  all  times,  and  wherever  she  might  be 
placed.  If  she  could  not  give  them  her  own  personal  at- 
tention, she  was  very  careful  to  stimulate  others  to  the 
discharge  of  this  duty.  She  did  not  consider  that  a  short 
stay  in  any  place  exempted  her  from  the  necessity  (when 
it  could  be  done)  of  ascertaining  the  state  of  the  poor  in 


226  MEMOIR   OF   PRISCILLA   GURNET.  [1821. 

it ;  but,  on  the  contrary,  it  furnished  her  with  motives  for 
redoubled  diligence  in  her  attentions  to  them,  that  some 
good,  if  possible,  might  result  to  the  neighbourhood  where 
such  accidental  visits  were  paid.  Towards  the  sick,  espe- 
cially, her  tender  sympathies  were  drawn  forth,  and  she 
considered  it  one  of  the  most  important  obligations  of 
Christian  charity  to  have  them  diligently  sought  out,  that 
assiduous  care  should  be  taken  to  mitigate  their  sufferings 
and  to  minister  to  their  comfort.  She  thought  an  associa- 
tion for  the  benefit  of  the  sick  was  also  particularly  de- 
sirable, as  affording  a  permanent  source  of  relief  for  them, 
but  where  this  could  not  be  effected,  she  was  most  anxious 
that  there  should  be,  at  least,  a  supply  of  linen  and  other 
necessaries  in  readiness  to  be  lent  out  to  them.  She  was 
greatly  interested  in  the  establishment  of  Bible  associa- 
tions generally,  being  the  most  ready  and  effectual  method 
of  supplying  the  Scriptures,  and  of  exciting  their  desire 
to  possess  them.  In  schools  of  every  kind  she  felt  much 
interested,  but  especially  in  Sunday-schools ;  as  being, 
under  careful  superintendence,  one  of  the  finest  means  of 
diffusing  the  knowledge  of  religious  principles.  At  some 
periods  of  her  life,  she  was  very  diligent  in  visiting  our 
own  schools  and  those  in  the  neighbourhood,  with  the 
express  design  of  examining  and  promoting  the  scriptural 
instruction  of  the  children ;  in  this  work,  her  grand  aim 
was,  to  instil  into  their  minds  the  principles  of  Christian 
conduct  in  connexion  with  the  doctrinal  truths  of  Scrip- 
ture ;  thus  preparing  them  to  comprehend  the  obligation 
of  the  "  two  great  commandments"  on  which  "  hang  all 
the  law  and  the  prophets."  She  was  strongly  persuaded 
that  the  principle  of  Christian  charity  was  very  inade- 
quately cultivated  in  its  various  branches  even  by  sincere 
Christians,  and  she  thought  that  to  imbue  the  minds  of 
children  with  its  beauty  and  excellence,  was,  with  the 


1821.]  MEMOIR   OF    PRISCILLA   GURNET.  227 

blessing  of  God,  one  great  means  of  increasing  peace  on 
earth  and  goodwill  towards  men.  She  was  deeply  solicit- 
ous that,  in  the  Society  of  Friends,  the  young  people 
should  be  well  versed  in  the  Scriptures.  In  all  her  inter- 
course with  the  poor,  it  was  her  endeavour  to  exercise 
great  caution  in  administering  to  their  relief,  that  no 
undue  dependence  on  their  part  might  be  begotten  by  it ; 
on  the  contrary,  she  wished  to  help  them  in  a  way  that 
should  stimulate  their  own  industry  and  independence  as 
much  as  possible.  With  this  view,  she  frequently  assisted 
those  who  were  the  most  diligent  labourers,  and  she  took 
great  pleasure  in  encouraging  young  people  to  make  useful 
exertions,  and  to  perform  acts  of  kindness,  by  uniting 
timely  presents  and  rewards  to  the  exhortations  and  in- 
structions which  she  gave  them.  She  went  much  to  the 
cottages  of  the  poor,  and  sought  opportunities  of  reading 
the  Scriptures,  and  other  religious  communion  with  them, 
as  the  way  might  open.  She  thought  that  the  most  im- 
portant service  that  could  be  rendered  to  the  sick,  was  by 
frequent  visits  to  them,  and  by  inducing  their  neighbours 
to  attend  upon  and  watch  over  them.  In  concluding  these 
subjects  —  of  her  charities  to  the  poor  and  her  interest  in 
the  religious  instruction  of  young  people  —  it  may  be  as 
well  to  add  that  she  was  very  conscientious  in  the  expendi- 
ture of  money ;  though  perfectly  liberal  in  all  reasonable 
expenses,  she  studiously  endeavoured  to  avoid  all  super- 
fluities of  every  kind  that  should  curtail  her  means  of 
assisting  others,  or  of  supporting  objects  that  she  con- 
ceived to  be  generally  beneficial.  Her  forbearance  and 
wisdom  were  conspicuous  in  her  conduct  towards  those 
from  whom  she  differed  in  opinion,  and  her  great  caution 
to  avoid  giving  pain  to  others  was  habitual  to  her,  even  in 
the  minor  matters  of  taste  and  inclination ;  yet  this  care 
was  united  to  a  faithful  desire  that  no  considerations  for 


228  MEMOIR  OF   PRISCILLA  GURNET.  [1821. 

the  feelings  of  others  should  interfere  with  the  discharge 
of  those  religious  duties  to  which  she  apprehended  she 
was  called,  and  which  were  frequently  rendered  more 
difficult  to  her  by  the  narrow  and  solitary  path  that  they 
occasionally  led  her  into.  In  mixed  societies  she  might 
be  said  to  adorn  the  doctrine  of  God  her  Saviour,  and  to 
wear  the  ornament,  spoken  of  by  the  Apostle,  "  of  a  meek 
and  quiet  spirit."  Her  active  and  almost  anxious  benevo- 
lence made  her  so  much  alive  to  every  description  of  per- 
sons with  whom  she  associated,  that  none  were  indifferent 
to  her ;  this  was  a  talent  used  to  good  purpose,  and  one 
that,  under  the  government  of  religion,  gave  peculiar 
tenderness  and  efficacy  to  her  ministry,  especially  when 
exercised  towards  individuals ;  her  ready  discernment  of 
character  also,  aided  her  in  adapting  the  administration 
of  her  gifts  and  graces  to  the  necessities  of  others,  and 
the  sweetness  of  her  countenance,  together  with  the 
peculiar  refinement  of  her  manners,  gave  her  access  to  all 
classes,  by  whom  she  was  loved  and  revered  in  no  common 
degree.  Her  calling  to  the  ministry  was  exercised  by  her 
in  deep  self-humiliation,  and  in  subjection  to  what  she 
conceived  to  be  the  authority  of  scripture  on  the  subject ; 
in  this  work,  in  was  her  endeavour  to  follow  implicitly  the 
guidance  of  the  Spirit  by  which  she  felt  she  had  been 
constrained  to  enter  upon  it.  In  her  public  services  she 
was  g9verned  by  the  discipline  of  the  body  of  Christians 
to  whom  she  belonged,  and  by  whom  she  was  acknowledged 
as  a  minister,  gifted  and  prepared  for  the  work  allotted 
her.  It  was  not  only  in  this  character,  but  in  her  whole 
conduct,  she  exhibited  a  beautiful  example  of  the  efficacy 
of  the  principle  which  she  advocated,  and  which  is  so  pro- 
minently upheld  by  the  Society  of  Friends,  —  that  of  the 
immediate  direction  and  sensible  influence  of  God's  Spirit 
over  the  hearts  and  minds  of  true  Christians. 


University  of  California 

SOUTHERN  REGIONAL  LIBRARY  FACILITY 

405  Hilgard  Avenue,  Los  Angeles,  CA  90024-1388 

Return  this  material  to  the  library 

from  which  it  was  borrowed. 


3  1205  00893  3002 


